The top stops along the way from Springfield to Deadwood (with short detours) are Bally's Quad Cities Casino & Hotel, Starved Rock State Park, and Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.. Other popular stops include Antique Archaeology, U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site, and Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.
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Route 66 Association of Illinois
Mentioned on
4 lists
Museum
Specialty Museums
Nostalgic relics from The Mother Road, such as shield murals, photos, license plates & more.
Excellent place to visit ! A bunch of really interesting stuff. Don't miss going to the military museum on the third floor; they have at least 75 uniforms from actual soldiers from wwI to present, and each has a description of the person's military history that is very humbling because not all of them made it home alive! I was brought to tears reading many of their stories! The museum is free, but the military part has a donation box and I would encourage everyone who visits to donate so they can continue to honor all of the heroes that have served so that we can enjoy our freedom in this country! On a lighter note, the vw van was the inspiration for the movie cars. Read the sign in the front window!
John B — Google review
Located in downtown Pontiac, the Route 66 Association is part of a network of free museums that offers visitors something to explore.The Route 66 focuses on the Illinois portion of the road, and shows memorabilia depicting the towns from Chicago to Saint Louis. It was interesting to learn how many people earned their livelihood from the Route.You can walk through quickly, or spend some time admiring the objects on display. I spent about 45 minutes in the Route 66 Museum. The volunteers are wonderful. I have to give a shout-out to Rose who was positively charming.This is a must-see if you are into automobile history, the history of Illinois, or popular culture from the 50's and 60's. Be sure to walk around the back and take a photo with the gigantic Route 66 mural on the side of the building.
Jason H — Google review
One of the best Route 66 museums. Terrific collection of Route 66 memorabilia and very helpful staff. Check the murals behind the building before you leave.
Linda S — Google review
A must see! The memorable is unbelievable! If you have travelled any part of RT 66 the photos will bring back memories that you can share with a loved one or remember a loved one.Take the time to support these local museums ✌️
Byron S — Google review
This was a very neat experience. Between the Route 66 museum and the War museum, there was so much to see! The staff/volunteers were so nice and had a lot of information to share. I really like how the war museum includes their hometown people who have served or are currently serving.
Cara W — Google review
a " must seen" for each Rout 66 fan.the parking lot and entray is for free.the exibition has a lot of parts. for everybody taste.the foto gallery from all the states around R66 is my favorite.a lot information from employee. very friendly and helpfullcheck out paintings behind / around the building!
Joachim M — Google review
An interesting place that is a must visit when passing through this town. A nice woman gave my children Route 66 badges, they were happy. But the War Museum, located in this building on the second or third floor, made a great impression on me. For reasons unknown to me, this museum is not very popular in Google maps, but it is there and you should pay attention to this place. You won't find anything like it for thousands of miles!
Николай Б — Google review
Great 66 stop! This museum was very interesting, the staff friendly, passionate and knowledgeable. Gift shop was very nice and reasonably priced. Don't forget to check out the murals on the back of the building and around the block.
Valerie G — Google review
Nous sommes arrêtés là par hasard, une belle ville de beaux édifices à voir et à photographier. Nous y sommes passés environ une heure pour nous dégourdir les jambes. La visite était gratuite et intéressante. Un saut dans le passé!!(Translated by Google)We stopped there by chance, a beautiful city with beautiful buildings to see and photograph. We spent about an hour there to stretch our legs. The tour was free and interesting. A leap into the past!!
Pierre-Luc P — Google review
On my way to Oak Brook, I stopped in Pontiac City because I've always wanted to view the Route 66 Museum and Hall of Fame. It brought back a lot of memories and allowed me to visualize the golden days of Mother Road. I also appreciate viewing the military uniform collection at the war museum. A must visit site. Come to Pontiac, Illinois, if you want to learn about Old Route 66, is my strongest recommendation. After my visit, I also create two YouTube videos to share with my friend. Have Fun!
Henry L — Google review
This was an unplanned stop for us and it was very interesting. What to make a side stop this is a good place to go. Alot of history and friendly people. A great place to learn about Route 66.
Robert D — Google review
What an amazing place!So much to learn and information about historic route 66.Always wanted to visit this little town pontiac and go to this museum.Loved the place and peopleIts a must visit, lot of good and exciting information!Museums, murals , walls and much more.Free museum parking available nearby.
Ankit C — Google review
A nice little museum of the history of Route 66 in Il. There is free parking across the street. There are also other museums all right in that same general area.
Sponge B — Google review
2
Pontiac Oakland Auto Museum
Mentioned on
5 lists
Museum
Specialty Museums
The museum is small compared to many others in Illinois. However this museum is 100% dedicated to Pontiac. GM foolishly shut down Pontiac in the great recession. Now who cares about GM any more. Certainly not me. There are a lot of models, magazines and other memorabilia all on Pontiac. There is an onsite library of manuals, books and models that appears torequire an appointment.We had a great time atthe museum and walking around the downtown shopping area of Pontiac, Illinois.
Bob C — Google review
This place is a knockout. The work time effort and money put into this Pontiac Museum is overwhelming. Dont think you will be able to enjoy it in an hour. You could spend the better part of a day here if you really wanted to take in all that is on display. Tim and his wife have dedicated a lifetime and then some to showcasing and making that available to the public. WOW. I was on a high speed cross country trip, and detoured to stop by here, but was in such a rush, I robbed myself of the experience it could have provided. I will have to go back, when time allows.
David D — Google review
Nice town with a really cool car museum. Route 66 history and Pontiac's made our day.
Perry N — Google review
A nice little museum for Pontiac Motors that just happens to be in a town called Pontiac. It's not an overly large museum. But it has a nice collection of cars and other memorabilia from Pontiac's past.
Sponge B — Google review
What an awesome museum!Loved the pontiac cars and history.Its a must visit in pontiac.Walkable distance from the historical association museum and plenty of parking nearby.Definitely recommend!
Ankit C — Google review
If you happened to be in the neighborhood of this little museum, you must enter it. There is no admission, you could leave a donation if you want, and there are old authentic Pontiacs. We saw some license plates and they were reasonably priced $ 10 each. Just walk through and enjoy the beauty of these cars.
Suzanne C — Google review
Outstanding! What a great little museum. Located in a cute downtown. Free but donations are welcome. Please donate at least $5 let's help keep this wonderful museum alive. ♥️
Brian P — Google review
I have been there in August 2022 and it was a good museum and it talks about the history of the Pontiac and it shows the different kinds of Pontiacs and there was at the time.
KE A — Google review
How fun was it to go to a Pontiac musuem (did you know Pontiac made buggy? Me Neither!) in Pontiac, Illinois. It had great looking cars and was easy to walk and enjoy. Plan on 30 minutes to an hour here.
Nikol R — Google review
Fantastic piece of history. This museum has everything an auto enthusiast is looking for from manufacturing exhibits to some fine samples of automobiles. Great gift shop. No admission fee. Downtown Pontiac IL is located on old Route 66. There are several museums and restaurants that are very tourist friendly.
Steve C — Google review
Great museum. Great place to learn about the history of Pontiac. Has several beautiful Pontiacs on display. No charge to enter, but donations are gladly accepted.
V8 M — Google review
The Pontiac Oakland museum is an absobut treasure. My friend and I got a private tour from the owner Tim. The joy Tim expressed showing some of the most important vehicles was priceless. I feel so lucky to have met both Tim and Penny.
Pl B — Google review
What a wonderful little museum. Great displays and interesting information!! My husband and daughter are car geeks, and this was a birthday surprise that did not disappoint! Definitely worth the stop!
Bianca P — Google review
Fantastic and free museum with lots of Pontiac memorabilia. Has to be the only place on Earth with a Fiero on display, certainly the four seat version :)
Okie D — Google review
4.7
(355)
•
4.5
(256)
205 N Mill St, Pontiac, IL 61764, USA
(815) 842-2345
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Starved Rock State Park
Mentioned on
1 list
State park
Nature & Parks
Hiking Trails
Starved Rock State Park, an area of historical significance, boasts canyons, trails and waterways suitable for hiking, fishing and boating. The park offers a lodge and cabins for visitors to stay in. One of the main attractions is the Starved Rock itself which is easily accessible via a short trek. There are numerous paths meandering through cliffs and rivers that provide scenic views throughout the park.
Starved Rock State Park is an excellent place to hike. The actual starved rock is a very cool place to look around and it is not a very hard or long path. There are plenty of good hiking paths that go throughout the cliffs and rivers. The restaurant and conference center are a good place to rest and have great views. The restaurant’s food is not exceptional but it is pretty good. The nachos are very good.Starved Rock State Park is a unique state park and one of my favorites.
Christian T — Google review
This is a good park. However, the visitor center and trails nearby can be very busy on weekends. We had to park in overflow parking and hike in.We had much better luck heading east to the other parking lots away from the main area.Huge rock formations and tons of places to explore. My kids loved it but we saw many frustrated parents trying to us a stroller. If you have someone to lift a stroller up and down stairs, it won’t be bad but overall the park is NOT stroller friendly.Beautiful bluff and great photo ops.There are lots of little places where the trail is not clearly my defined and you can go exploring a little.The staff was great and all the facilities were clean. There is nice restaurant and lodge if you need a bite to eat or place to rest.
Sailor T — Google review
What an amazing place to hike! The canopy keeps it very cool. I came early (6:45am) on a week day and did not see anyone until after 9am. Very cool to see the different Canyons and elevations along the hike. The stairs are no joke! It’s a moderate hike but lots of cool stops to see along the way, including waterfalls!
Lisa M — Google review
What an incredible and beautiful state park! Might be the prettiest place I’ve been to in Illinois, it’s such a nice break from the city and it’s not a super far drive. The trails are very easy and beginner friendly, there are some steep staircases and a few uneven parts of path but mostly flat trails. I will say that if you are expecting to see waterfalls, you should go 1-2 days after a big rain storm otherwise they’ll probably all be dry, especially during the middle of the summer. I also recommend going early, even if it’s on a weekday. We got there at about 10:30 and it wasn’t super busy, but by the time we got back from hiking around 1:30 it was insanely crowded, and hiking is a lot more fun in my opinion when it’s empty. Overall, I would definitely recommend visiting here on a day trip, I can’t wait to return myself!!
Robbie A — Google review
We arrived early and saw St. Louis Canyon before the crowds arrived. We had lunch in the visitor center, which was decent. After lunch we started out to see the eastern part of the trails.The trails were very well marked and maintained. We covered west as far as St. Louis Canyon and east as far as Wildcat Canyon in about 18,000 steps on our step counter. There are a lot of stairs! The canyons are well worth the hike. We would like to return in the Spring when the falls are at their fullest.
Pam M — Google review
awesome!! the hike was very pretty. althought i don’t recommend going when its raining/was. it gets slippery and you have to take different parts of the trail to get around. especially the french canyon! hard hike but gorgeous. the lovers leap i think it was ? ; was also a very pretty view. wildcat is muddy but so pretty!
chxcolqte — Google review
STARVED ROCK STATE PARK is an Illinois hidden treasure. Camping was quiet and clean. However there was rain a few days prior and a few of the sites had water covering half the site.. was a nuisance for a few. So the park is alcohol free zone FYI! Be creams keep things quiet and you should be fine. Showers are good for a state park $25 a night fee with electric hook up. Thee are a both open and wooded sites. The trails are clean and marked fairly well. Be aware that there are many steep stairs to get to lookouts and canyons. Many only make it halfway. Bring plenty of water. We will return as it’s a quick 2hr trip.
Tim S — Google review
Wonderful place, we have been seeing signs for this place for years and finally got to come and see it. The ice was just melting and it was a little muddy but man what a great place. Good walk ways great views of waterfalls and a historic place. This place has it all. Even the girl in gift shop was helpful.
Ryan — Google review
We visited Starved Rock December 10 2022. We stayed at Getaway which is about 20 min away for the weekend. Overall, our experience at this state park was excellent. The trails are well maintained even in the late fall. We hiked for about 4 miles seeing the river views and the canyon views over about 2.5 hours. It is difficult to navigate a stroller/wheelchair along most of the trails in this state park so I recommend getting information ahead of time if you need accessibility. The features and varied topography were amazing; we will definitely return here again. About half of the hike we took was along a wooden or paved path. There are a lot of stairs, many more than they explain. Be prepared to go up and own more than 9 flights over the course of your hike. We had mild weather at about 40 degrees overcast with little wind. Its a great time of year to hike if you don't mind cold weather!
Leah S — Google review
It is very peopley here. I did go on a weekend and expected it to be more populated but WOW. It’s not a holiday weekend thing, this is a popular place and local attraction that tons of people in the Midwest come to see (some even further) Either way, if you can stand bumping elbows every now and then it’s not too bad. It is very pretty. There are a lot of stairs on some of the trails. Definitely bring some water!!
Alexis B — Google review
I have a special fondness for this state park as it's a great place for outdoor activities. During our visit, we trekked for 3 hours, exploring both the Wildcat Canyon and the La Salle Canyon. Although there aren't any waterfalls in the summer, the hike remains incredibly enjoyable.
Justin Z — Google review
Great hike! It has quite a few stairs on different trails, but we had lots of fun. The visitor center has a nice food court, and you can get ice cream too. The camping ground is great! We stayed in a shaded camp, great for keeping it cool during the warm days. Great place for star gazing of you stay in the no shade campsites.
Fernanda D — Google review
I have lived in Illinois since 2007 and wanted to visit Starved Rock so bad. November 19,23 is the first time I have had the pleasure of visiting and I was so glad I did. It was a wonderful time. There's lots of stairs so bring water and even a snack. There's a gift shop with super cute items in it. I want to go back because it was such a great time.
Alexis G — Google review
I’ve been to this place since I was very young. Starved Rock Lodge has had a special place in my life for most of my life. What I love about it is that unlike most things today, it still has it’s traditional, classic, and old school feel. It seems like one of the very few things that’s being preserved and rightly so. Most of the times I go on vacation there, my experience is generally quite positive. The staff are usually friendly and considerate. It has good fishing along the Illinois river despite the river’s pollution. The nature is also beautiful. The place itself is proof that Illinois is more than just Chicago and flat farmlands. I also always enjoy the pool and hot tub there too. No place is perfect but this is my way of trying to spread some positivity in a world of seemingly endless negativity. Thank you Starved Rock State Park for all of the joy you bring to people who enjoy visiting and thank you staff for your hard work and support. Hope you all can appreciate my new drawing.
Liam C — Google review
Highly Recommend: very pretty, I think French canyon was the prettiest. I would recommend seeing all except walking the bluff trail between owl canyon and Ottawa - the trail is through forest and pretty boring, not much to see just treading along. I'd recommend just hiking to owl canyon and back and then driving and parking by Illinois or Ottawa canyon.
S. D — Google review
Nice big park. Trails for hiking an a big waterfront for fishing or watching the boats. There was a picnic area an boat dock just down from the visitor center area. Port a John's there for when the center isn't open. We did the st Louis canyon trail.. beautiful spot. We saw cliff swallows flying around the top of the canyon. That was neat!!
S H — Google review
Tremendous park and trails, amazing campground facility as well five minutes up the road. We hiked four of the trails and loved the clean landscape, variations in altitude, and river and woodland views.Staff are attentive and care greatly for the park.The campground is amazingly clean and quiet. Bathrooms are typical camp baths.A really fun weekend for the family with plenty of fresh air and exercise.
Jonathan J — Google review
What a great state park to hike around and explore. The visitors center was clean and inviting. There is a little place to grab some treats and food called the trailhead.There had been little rainfall around the time we were there so sadly the waterfalls were not flowing 😞 the trails were well marked and the YOU ARE HERE maps were placed all over.Definitely a state park to add to your bucket list!
Denai C — Google review
Beautiful scenery in the state park along with decently maintained trails. In some parts there have been a few steps sticking out in odd places where rain has washed it away. Besides that, it is a very well maintained park. I easily spend 2-3 hours here. It’s a huge park to explore!
Brianna C — Google review
Beautiful park to see the fall colors. Lots of hiking trail, the trail to LaSalle canyon has beautiful fall colors, restrooms are clean. Parking is easy during early hours, trail gets crowded later during the day. Would recommend.
Samruddhi K — Google review
We went when the waterfalls were dry so I was kind of disappointed but still had a good time. Spent over 3 hours walking the trails and enjoying the sites of nature. Very beautiful park. Loved the canyons and the views of the dam. Will definitely be back when waterfall season hits up again.
T. J — Google review
Starved Rock is a great state park for visitors to check out. It has pretty easy hiking so it's great for kids. Parking can be difficult sometimes in the summer as it's a popular place. It can also get a little crowded at certain times. My kids really like going and it's easy to let them wander because the paths are mainly boardwalks with railings and/or easy to follow. This park is dog friendly and, as all State Parks in Illinois, has a leash law. There are also cabins that you can rent and a hotel with a restaurant and pool. The fudge in the gift shop is a must. This is a great place for family photos and wedding photos. Have fun.
Bob Q — Google review
Beautiful place to bring kids and family. This place is a challenging hike that will push the inner athlete in you. Even though it's beautiful, don't underestimate this park at all not for the faint of heart.
Manuel A — Google review
Located about an hour and half away from Chicago. This is a good place for hiking. In the spring and summer you’ll be able to see waterfalls up close. If you come in the winter, you’ll see like a winter wonderland because some of the waterfalls will be frozen and covered in snow. They have paved paths which makes things easier. Adequate amount of parking. You can pack a lunch and sit in the main picnic area. There is a visitor center with restrooms.
Nicholas P — Google review
Was a blast! The amazing rock structures are a view to look at! It was a little crowded but it was expected with how beautiful the weather has been. Remember to wear comfy shoes, lots of stairs and ups and down hills! Some of the steps are trick due to the condition, so be careful and take your time! If you're in the area, The Rootbeer Stand is up the road for a quick bite and a throwback feel!
Ryan — Google review
This is a great place to go for an extended hiking experience. The trails are very well marked and maintained. The historical aspect of Starved Rock is acknowledged and celebrated.We had lunch in the Back Door Grill. The veggie burger was excellent and the turkey blt wrap was very good too.
Nick M — Google review
Came here on Thursday to this lovely outdoor hiking spot with a group of friends 🧡. We greatly enjoyed ourselves and enjoyed being outside. Just a warning ⚠️ If you are thinking of coming here, please come prepared. Make sure to bring enough water/snacks or food and whatever else you may need. Also, if you do not enjoy coming upstairs, be warned that there are a lot of stairs. Other than those minor things to let you all know about , I had an amazing time and will be coming back here soon.
Seilah F — Google review
Went on a rainy day, it was pouring. Really nice waterfall. Especially visit the Wildcat Canyon.Try to see all the Canyons and the Eagle’s Point. The dam is nice to observe from the Eagle’s point. Would like to visit again in summer to see how it is different. Nice to hike at. Some spots have a nice riverview. The lodge is very pretty with a bar, fireplace and serves food. There are one or two stores that sell souvenirs and gems/jewellery and collective items. Free entry to the park and free parking.
Amrita M — Google review
Always packed and crowded on the weekends for hiking, but you'll still find moments to yourself. A nice scenic hike that's close to Chicago, yet remote. Trails are clearly labeled, and maps are accurate. Decent fishing off the dam, and friendly staff. Trails seem well maintained.
Nicholas N — Google review
Did a 8 mile hike here in March and still the scenery was beautiful. For a moment its almost as if your no longer in the Midwest at all! All in all if your looking for beautiful scenery and a great workout Starved Rock is the place for you!
Connor L — Google review
Starved Rock has a great visitor center. As you can see from the pictures, I shared that there are quite a few informative displays. Showing great details on what you can find around the state park. Plus, they have a great volunteer book store with a lot of great nature books. The best thing is that the proceeds go to support the various educational experiences they offer. They also have a gift shop with a wonderful selection of Starved Rock souvenirs. You will also find an ice cream/fudge shop that serves homemade sweets.
Gina T — Google review
Nice place to hike! 13 miles altogether on the hiking trails. Went after a slight snow and it was beautiful! Lots of wooded paths. Very well marked and maps. Nice visitor center with restrooms and refreshments. Waterfall is super cool. Several lookout points overlooking the IL river and lock/dam. Dogs welcome! Everyone here was very friendly. Second time hiking here and will return again!
Brian J — Google review
One of my favorite places in Illinois to visit. Breathtaking views and beautiful waterfalls if you’re lucky enough to spot one. I love the quaint little town and its friendly people there.
Erica S — Google review
Beautiful hike, we didn't park in the main parking. It was to crowded but found a spot down the road. We hike the whole thing in one full day. Got there befor 10 am and out by 530 pm. We enjoyed out hike!
Shellie A — Google review
This was my family's first visit to the park. I suggest going early in the morning to avoid crowds. Visitors from many nationalities were present, and nearly every family had a dog. The park has many stairs, so be prepared for some climbing. I recommend bringing a bag with water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Some areas can be slippery, so exercise caution. There are insufficient seating options for those who need them. I suggest adding a handicapped section along the trails with seating. I hiked the Pontiac and Wildcat Canyon trails, which took approximately two hours and covered almost three miles.
Robert G — Google review
4.7
(14950)
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4.5
(1424)
Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
(815) 667-4726
4
Matthiessen State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
Large forest park & canyon with prairie land, springs, wildlife, camping & horse trails.
One of the best sights I have been to in years! Multiple waterfalls with great connections between the lip of the valley and the valley floor. Great experience for family and friends. Even has a wheel chair ramp and part of the trails are paved for wheelchairs.
Mark T — Google review
An incredible experience, amazing place to visit and truly worth the driving.A lot of amazing nature scenes.Different kinds of trees and plants, wonderful water fall , the huge rocks and caves and the trees climbing over the rocks.Down hill where you can enjoy taking pictures in front of the water fall but caution as it s slippery and easily anyone can fall in the water, it s not deep but I would recommend another pair of socks and shoes .This place has plenty of stairs going up and down so if anyone can’t use stairs, this place will be so difficult then.Enjoyed a lot the freshness of the air , the variety of birds and the beauty of the nature.Free admission and closed by sunset
R J — Google review
If your the outdoorsy type of family then this is a great place to visit. Been there a few times and always enjoy ourselves. They seem to be on top of trails that are dangerous. We saw a few barriers so people didn’t get hurt. Appreciate that.
Neil B — Google review
The park was beautiful and well maintained. The trails can keep you busy for hours if you want. Before heading down into the Dells, there is a covered shelter with picnic tables, restroom facilities, and vending machines with water, Gatorade, and other drinks. Be careful if going after a rainy day since most trails are not paved and will become muddy and/or slippery.
Beckie M — Google review
This is a hidden gem. We will definitely come back. One of the most accessible places we have been. Be prepared for LOTS of stairs. The paths are maintained very well, could use a few more signs.
Wendy K — Google review
Great place to go hiking! Feels more like hiking vs Starved Rock. It’s easy to get off the trails. You can use stepping stones to get across the creek. Nice waterfalls but they’re not tall waterfalls. Be careful after a rainfall because the trails can get really squishy. Lots of natural eroded rocks, canyons, trees, streams.
Brian J — Google review
Beautiful beyond words! I cannot wait for spring/summer to come hiking. I love that they have the easy and hard way to do these trails. So much fun and so peaceful and beautiful. Wow. Waterfalls are amazing 😍
Iris R — Google review
Absolutely stunning, bathrooms were cleaned but rather small. Be sure you have good shoes. Lots of steps but worth the view. I didn't care for the safety gate at the top of the waterfall but I'm sure they have their reasons why. I plan on going again
Mary C — Google review
This was one of my new favorite spots to hike. It rained lightly while we were here, but it added to the whole experience. I wish we lived closer because I would be here every day. The trails are beautiful. The sights are just breathtaking. Add this little known park to your list right away!
Kelsey S — Google review
Absolutely love this park. This park has stairs like Starved Rick but more manageable. The trails are very well maintained. It had rains so there was muddy areas. Be prepared. A must stop if in the area.
Tim S — Google review
As much as I don't want to share this beautiful place with even more people, it wouldn't be fair to those who have yet to visit! This stunning park is just minutes off the exit and welcomes you with the most peaceful views. Hiking down into the Canyons, taking in every hidden gem, it's easy to spend the entire day wandering through the trails. There is a trail for everyone. Put this one on your list!
Stephanie P — Google review
We took a late summer hike here this year. It's been fairly dry so there was no flowing water or falls. All ages with good mobility can enjoy this park.Be prepared to walk down a long staircase to get into the canyon/gorge. There's periodic benches for those that need to take breaks.The lower dells path is our preferred hike because it takes you across a cool concrete bridge, down a couple flights of steps and right through the center of the gorge.There's a couple locations where you will need to navigate a collection of large stones to get across some shallow water.My boys loved playing inside the cool cavernous areas that were carved out by years of flood waters.I recommend visiting on a weekday and during the school year if you're bringing kids.
Corey M — Google review
Very beautiful but crowded. Unique dells with wooden steps and boardwalks in most locations in order to handle the crowds. Nice little waterfalls which attracts lots of kids and their families. We had to park in overflow parking and walk over a quarter mile to get to the trails even though we got there relatively early in the morning (before 10).
Steven P — Google review
“This was definitely a great hike! This place is beautiful! Make sure you bring lots of water because you will need it. I was a bit disappointed I didn’t see any waterfalls but I heard that it’s best to go on a day when it just finished raining or I could have been at the wrong trail.”—Chloe
Chloe A — Google review
Highly Recommend: you really just need 2-4 hours to check out the main areas of park. It was fun to see the waterfalls. Note that it is really muddy in the canyon and wet. Definitely would recommend coming with water shoes, especially if with kids. Come early on weekends as by 10 am it gets busy. I would not come during rain as then lots of mud is guaranteed.
S. D — Google review
Our family has been to and enjoyed Starved Rock a couple times previously but never went to Matthiessen. This place was really fun. It was just after a rainy night so the trails were muddy and slippery in places, but hopping across stones and logs along the river was a blast for the whole family.
Jacob K — Google review
This was such an amazing park! We happened to stumble upon it while visiting Starved Rock and it was totally worth it!! We went on a beautiful hike and saw a gorgeous waterfall. The trails are well maintained, it was fun hopping around the creek on different stones so as to not get wet. Good for all ages, lots of families and dogs visiting. Would love to go back and explore further.
Grace P — Google review
Very nice state park. I did a 2 mile loop hike with my dog using the Alltrails app as a guide/map. It was a fairly strenuous trail with a lot of steps down and back up. Took about an hour and half to complete the 2 miles. Crossing the creek was fun as well. I did carry my small dog through some of that part as the rocks used as stepping stones were spaced far but it was fun to hop across.
Kae S — Google review
Just out for a motorcycle ride. Stopped here. Never been, what a beautiful place. And I only touched a fraction of the surface of it. Next time, I will prepare for hiking. If you live in the area, this is a must visit state park!
James D — Google review
my wife and I had the time of our lives both days out!! first day we learned the ropes of the park! followed people, signs, etc. Second day we truly enjoyed the park!! took pictures, smiled, laughed and enjoyed the incredible November sights of this majestic beauty!! Extremely clean, ready for visitors and be ready for the experience to tell your kids about one day so they visit as well!! Truly an Illinois gem!!!
Steven M — Google review
If you want to have fun here, you must accept that you will get muddy. I recommend just having your kids abandon their shoes early on. Please don't yell at them for being kids and enjoying life. It's why you take these adventures with them. You might get wet-and that's really ok. They might get wet. It's fine.This place was more crowded than I prefer on a hike, but we had an adventure crossing to the waterfall, and it was very beautiful and just the right level of challenging. There are a lot of stairs here. Not a few. A lot. My 4 year old made it up, but it was beyond my 2 year old.Overall I really enjoyed this hike.
Marcy K — Google review
I ALWAYS love going to Matthiessen! Lower Dells, Upper Dells, it's always a beautiful hike. Be prepared for a wet experience and it can be busy at times. Many families. Quite a few dogs. Plenty of photo opportunities.
Luke S — Google review
We went early, so we were able to park our car in the parking lot. This park is amazing! We enjoyed trekking and wading through the river while being soothed by the lush trees, flowers and the sound of the river.
Kaoru T — Google review
Fantastic natural areas, "historic" style French fort, beautiful views, and miles of trials to be hiked. The facilities are good enough, typical IL state park bathrooms. The trails are rough, erosion and traffic take their toll. Be patient with each other and the other hikers please.
Andrew H — Google review
What a gorgeous park in January. We did the loop in 1.25 hours and felt really great, even with lots of steps! The frozen waterfalls were fantastic, I can only imagine how beautiful it is in the spring and summer but it was extremely cool to be able to walk on the frozen river right up to it and see the ice formations. We brought our dog in his jacket and booties and he loved it!! Just be careful walking around - but it is a great time to go!
Lai A — Google review
4.8
(4753)
•
4.5
(516)
2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
(815) 667-4726
5
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
Casino
Casinos & Gambling
Gambling house
Hotel
Resort hotel
Casino with slot machines & table games, plus classic hotel rooms, four restaurants & meeting space.
We went there for a girls weekend and had an absolute blast! The rooms have been renovated and are beautiful and spacious. The new Steakhouse was far beyond our expectations, my steak was cooked to perfection and the service was impeccable. Don’t leave without trying the molten lava cake for dessert, the presentation alone is worth the calories. The casino is one of the few left that is actually a boat, which we loved. The staff was warm and engaging, we never had to wait for drinks. It was fun to explore all the floors and check out new games, we all broke even or were ahead by the end of the night.
Laura D — Google review
It's very quiet. Bring your own wheelchair because there's is two sizes too big. It barely fits in the bathroom and does not fit down half of the aisles in the casino, if you have to try and move any of the chairs they're way too heavy to try and get out of the way. The wait staff is spread too thin. We waited for over 40 minutes for some thing to drink because there was no waiter or anyone behind the bar. I had to ask a cleanup crew to get somebody to get something to drink. Overall we had a lot of fun and there were plenty of sanitizing stations and people cleaning up. I do suggest you go!
Sarah B — Google review
What a wonderful and absolutely fantastic hotel and casino. The rooms are very nice, up to date and super clean. The beds are amazing and comfortable. When we checked in the service was simply amazing. Then the casino is off on its own and that's was the best part walking to the casino getting to see the river and its splendid beauty. Definitely one of the best resorts in Illinois.
Dale B — Google review
Hadn't been there for 20 years and a bit of a disappointment. The walls need painted and it needs a lot of updates and TLC. It used to be really pretty. They have a nice bar outside of the casino area called Tin Lizard. Great service! We ate at William B's Steakhouse. Food was excellent but it's pricey. Service was exceptional too.
Lynn G — Google review
I walk in this place it looks fabulous. Plenty of restaurants nice view. River boat casino is a plus. But only giving 4 stays because no complimentary breakfast. I would recommend getting a room at the Hampton Inn across the parking lots of you want to wake up to a nice decent breakfast to go. Both casino are in almost the same distance away from paradise casino.
Jazmine S — Google review
Very disappointed. The lobby was very deceiving compared to the rest of the hotel. It gave a very good first impression, I will admit. Unfortunately, the the rest of the hotel is very dated. The room was nothing to go home and brag about, let alone recommend. The "accent" chairs in the room were covered in stains. The sheer curtains seemed to be slightly propped open, until you look closer and realize they are almost melted open. Which was weird. Bedding felt like we were sleeping in tissue paper, loud and crinkly. Suggest using less starch and perhaps using some softener. Honestly, it felt like we were at The Overlook Hotel and Danny was going to be riding around on his big wheel.
Alyssa W — Google review
The good: Room appears clean and updated.The cons: First off, the casino is across the parking lot. You have to walk there or wait for a shuttle. Not a hotel casino resort by any means.Also, resort fee. For a place with no space and no attached restaurants or casino. More like a hotel and that’s it. But we paid a resort fee on checkout.The toilet ran all night.There’s a strange fan that you can’t shut off that runs constantly in the bathroom keeping you awake.No microwave in room.Rude front desk who tried to put us in a queen when we reserved a king. When I told her she said well that’s why I ask in case you want a queen. Huh!?!?Won’t stay here ever again. I’d go to the hotel across the parking lot and at least get a free breakfast.
Jennifer G — Google review
The rooms were nice, basic and clean. It has a small refrigerator which I like because we stayed for 2 days but it didn't have a microwave which I thought was pretty basic in most places nowadays. There is no restaurant in the hotel, you have to go to the casino to get anything to eat. The coffee area is only available during morning then locked up the rest of the day. It's fine if you're there just to sleep but if you're there for a couple of days and you want the convenience of the things I mentioned close by this may not be the place to stay.
Lori H — Google review
Went in to try out William B's. For a first time patron, we were not to disappointed. I had read reviews of others before going and was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt on service and food. As a matter of fact the server we got was one who had been praised by others in the reviews. She wasn't bad, but wasn't the best either. We were not a demanding bunch of diners, but we did ask for some things that didn't get delivered. We pretty much let it slide because we were enjoying ourselves, but when someone asks for certain things that will help them enjoy their meal even more, they would really like those items. That aside, I'm not going to dis them over some butter, horseradish and a little steak sauce. Switching gears, my husband and I got the prime rib and I will say, it was excellent! It was juicy and melt in your mouth awesome. I got a side of asparagus and was a little disappointed in just how burnt it was. I don't mind grilled veggies, but please don't burn them. My husband cleaned his plate and was very pleased with his meal. Our guests enjoyed their steaks too, and their only complaint ended up being just a misunderstanding that worked out and they enjoyed their meals too. The waitress was pleasant when she managed to make it over to us and the hostess was the sweetest busser we could of had. Needless to say for the money, the steaks were great, the service was good and the atmosphere was very pleasant and enjoyable. I definitely recommend this place if you're not afraid to dig deep into your pocket for the money. The steaks are well worth it.
Terri G — Google review
We ate at William B Steakhouse. We had a group of six people, and Nicki took care of us in style. From the moment we came in, we were treated like ROYALTY by the hostess, who made sure we were seated comfortably to our server. The food was wonderful and we enjoyed the time. If you have the occasion, ask for your server to be Nicki. She is a professional. However, so is the hostess.
Delores R — Google review
Do NOT stay in this hotel. The photos online are extremely misleading. The lobby is pristine, looks well kept and clean. Once you get to your rooms however you will be disgusted before you even get there. We stayed on the third floor and there is mold EVERYWHERE. At the wall joints, on the ceiling and around the door jams! Even when you get to your room, there is mold and dust just everywhere. The refrigerator rubber was caked with black and green mold. Dust layered on the lamps, furniture and even the alarm clock! To add insult to injury, they use white bedding which looked like either it had been reused (not washed) or they didn't inspect it before placing it on the bed because there were little spatters of what looked like dried BLOOD on my sheets and pillows! As a person with asthma and allergies to mold, I was horrified by such a lack of even basic care and maintenance.Do NOT stay here.
Allison W — Google review
I was quite disappointed. Very small, very old looking. We wanted to eat dinner but only the deli was open. Did not see too many workers on the floor. The outdoor smoking area was terrible! You would think with the revenue generated they would at least have a room with walls and heat but no, you are outside on deck in the elements. I will spend my money somewhere else. It was 28 degrees.
Christina A — Google review
We stayed at the hotel on our way driving across the country. The staff were friendly and accommodating. They have a small fitness center with 4 cardio machines, 4 sets of dumbbells, and 4 resistance machines. Room keys are required to use the elevator, which made us feel very safe in our room. The room itself was huge, very clean, and had excellent temperature control.It was not a 5 star stay for a few reasons, some of which are out of the staff's control.We were awoken around 530 am from the room next door's TV, and the housekeeper did knock on our door around 7:30 am as we were getting ready to leave. She apologized and said she was notified that we had already checked out. There is no complimentary breakfast.The decor is a bit outdated, but they had signs around that they are renovating.Overall, we were definitely satisfied. Although we will most likely not be returning to Peoria anytime soon, we would be happy to stay again.
Sarah K — Google review
The room was ok, just a little dusty from not being used in a while. Great view of the water! The casino isn't connected to the hotel, but it's just a 5 minute walk to it, or there's a shuttle that'll drop you off in front .
Willie S — Google review
My aging mother wanted to go gambling for her birthday. None of us ever gamble. We have been to the boat before for a family gathering, but that was when there was a restaurant. The one thing that I remember from my first time there is that smell. I almost feel like the boat is infested with mold. It's musty. This time, they were covering the smell with some sort of scent. It was pretty overwhelming, but I am really sensitive to smells. Not one single employee greeted us or asked if there was anything they could do for us. It must be a very strict place to work because none of the employees were smiling. The nicest person I met was a lady in the "money cove" when I was cashing out. My favorite was the unhappy co*cktail waitress walking around with zero charisma or personality saying "beverages," over and over, in a monotone. Lol!
Chris M — Google review
Stayed one night while traveling. My -only- complaint is that the door to our room didn't properly close - we had to tug it or push it closed ourselves when entering or leaving the room. The facility is clean, it smells good when you walk in and the staff are friendly. The Tin Lizard has good food (huge portions). The casino itself is also clean, well kept and staffed with nice people. We will be back for a longer stay.
Nikki S — Google review
This isn't by any means a 'top casino' for Illinoisans to visit. I remember back when I was young, when it first came to the area (and used to actually cruise the river in those days!)- people LOVED the Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino. It was fancy, had 5 star dining, and was a really nice place overall.Recently, after moving back to the Peoria area from Chicago, where I'd spent the last decade, I'd decided to visit the Par-A-Dice, and try my luck.The parking lot was not full at all, so I had no trouble getting a close spot. When I walked onto the boat, I could see why. It was nearly empty. And then as I looked around a little more closely, I noticed how dirty and dingy it was in there now, including the staff. I spent a lot of time at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois, when I lived up north, and I guess that place had my expectations set too high. The staff was always sharply dressed, clean cut, smiling, and overall looked happy to be there. I can't say the same for the Par-A-Dice though.The slots aren't the loosest I've played, and I can't speak for the table games, but those are better odds anyway.In terms of dining, they have a steakhouse, William B's I believe, but I have not tried it yet. The Tin Lizard is their casual dining, sit down restaurant, and I've ordered from there twice. One time was great, the next not so much. The reason I was disappointed on my second visit was due to the fact that I was trying to use a meal credit that I had, according to the Boyds App. Once the waitress took my order, I sat and waited for about 10 minutes, and when the waitress came back by, I asked her if I could take care of the check, and handed her my players club card. She came back a couple minutes later, saying that it wasn't pulling up the credit. I showed her on the app, from my account, and she acted like she didn't know what to do about it. So then she got her supervisor, who was not only aloof about the whole thing, but arrogant and standoffish to me as well. He claimed that "if the computer didn't pull it up, then it's not there, and there's nothing (he) could do about it." I would have to come back and speak to someone in players services, when they were open. I asked him if this happened often, and he said, "Oh yes!". I couldn't believe that he didn't even care, bother to apologize, or anything. He even went so far as to turn around and walk away from me, once he was 'done' with me! By this point, the food that I'd ordered was done, I was hungry and looking forward to it, so I had to yell across the restaurant at the supervisor to get him to come back so I could pay for my food and leave. That experience was one of the worst I'd ever had in terms of customer service, especially from a so-called 'Supervisor'.The bonuses, free play, and promotions that this casino offers aren't that good anyway, so for them to offer them, and then not follow through on what they say they've given to you, well that's just garbage, and I can give away my money at any number of gambling parlor locations around town, and not have to worry about being treated that way. And I will, next time. When I've got the itch, it won't be to return to Par-A-Dice.
Jeff — Google review
It's what you'd expect from a smaller city casino. Locals are alright. Staff takes care of you. Hear great thing about the rooms. Could use an update though. Overall happy with my time there and so were the work buddies.
Daniel F — Google review
Room was decent. Bar was closed. Foods across the lot at the casino. Charged $5/night "resort" fee. Didn't have a "resort" vibe at all. Bet that hotel on the other side of the parking lot is better.I'll let ya know when I'm back that way ✌️
Joey O — Google review
We stayed here for a night on a longer trip. I was so surprised by how clean and spacious the hotel accommodations were. The location right on the river made for beautiful views and the casino boat was modern with good slots and table games!
Tanna R — Google review
Loved this resort....it is absolutely stunning and the staff is so attentive and professional...room was beautiful and bed was very comfortable...the casino is a boat beside the resort and there is a shuttle if you don't want to walk the 5 min. walk over there... excellent restaurants in the casino too...will definitely stay here again if in the area
Donna B — Google review
Elevator was broken. Took a long time to get to our room. TV did not work properly. We called maintenance to try to fix it. They said there was nothing they can do so. Ultimately, we didn't have tv to watch in the room, not good
Shana H — Google review
We were there for a fundraiser so we did not have a hotel room. The food was pretty good. We weren't expecting a pork crown roast of pork. We wish they allowed our provided take home containers because there was so much left over for many of us.
Shawna K — Google review
Hotel was good all the way up until we woke up in morning only to find out they do not have breakfast of any kind. Very disappointed especially for what we paid for room. Will not be staying here again unless the start to offer breakfast.
Wes W — Google review
Christmas party here. Lots of room great shuttles, The shower in the room had good pressure. Bed was comfy. Who ever works on their Automatic doors does a great job. The casino has lots of games. The staff are helpful and are not in your face.
Cal S — Google review
4.0
(3623)
•
3.5
(265)
21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria, IL 61611, USA
(309) 699-7711
I'll never travel to Deadwood without this trip planner again
6
Peoria Zoo
Mentioned on
13 lists
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Banquet hall
Event venue
Peoria Zoo is an impressive park that boasts over 100 species from around the world, including some that are endangered. Visitors can enjoy feeding giraffes and exploring African installations. Although tickets may be slightly expensive, the overall experience is worth it. One of the main highlights of the zoo is the wooden bridge which provides access to a fantastic vantage point for viewing giraffes. Another exciting attraction is the lion viewpoint where visitors can hear the roar of these majestic animals.
I've been to this zoo 4 times. It has 4 sections; combined it took us about 90 minutes. All the animals are up close. The entire zoo has a balance of sun and shade. Quite a few animals for a small zoo. Very stroller friendly; ramps instead of stairs. The 3 sections are:1.) "the original section" which is a building that has monkeys, foxes and an outside area with a barn with goats and donkeys and a conservation center2.) an Asian section which has a handful of exhibits with animals like tigers and takins, and a small building with snakes and bats3.) an African section which takes up almost half the area with big enclosures for rhinos, zebras, and the like4.) an Australian walkaboutZoo is very clean, well-maintained - and can do as much or as little as you like. And.. there's a children's museum within walking distance as well!
Dave C — Google review
Nice smaller zoo. My fiance was very happy with the three giraffes. It was very quiet with not many people, but it was Monday afternoon. This was actually a plus for us since it seemed more intimate without a bunch of people.
Kelly C — Google review
Our family really enjoyed this zoo. We saw almost every animal they have listed on their website with the exception of maybe 3, one being an insect. The zoo itself is a nice layout that made it seem larger than it was. We spent approximately 2.5 hours here and it was relatively easy to navigate with a wagon.Hopefully in the future they will have a better play area for toddlers and young children and open up another option for concessions since the existing location doesn't open for another few weeks. We went during a weekday in the morning and practically had the entire place to ourselves. The grounds were also very well kept and clean!
Ashley A — Google review
Overall experience is awesome. Tickets are little pricey but still we can visit this one. The setup is quite nice, particularly the wooden bridge which gives access to giraffe viewpoint are wonderful. Lion viewpoint is quite adventurous, the lion is indeed roaring and rocking here.
Nirmala M — Google review
Im not a fan of zoos but this one seemed clean and well taken care of. Amazing what they can do right in the middle of your neighborhood!
Jeremy — Google review
This Zoo is very disappointing. There just isn't alot to see or do here. We seen a total of 5 different animals during our first and only visit on 4/27/2024. The food place wasn't open. The inside exhibits including the dark Tree House were all hot and underwhelming. Overall not worth $1 admission let alone $12.50.
ꪶꫀiꪶꪖꪀi ꪑ — Google review
Small zoo but nicely arranged. Plenty to look at and enjoy. The animals all seem to be well taken care of and staff are all nice and knowledgeable.
H S — Google review
We love our zoo!My kids are 3 and 4, and we have so much fun when we go.Not everything is open yet this year and we still spent an hour and half looking at the different animals.(4/21)I would recommend the family pass if you live close by.It can be crowded at times, but with the pass we have been really lucky to feel like we had the exhibits to ourselves for a nice amount of time if you go at slow parts of the day.So happy to have a zoo like this close by!
Chris T — Google review
It's a small zoo but the kids enjoyed themselves. They do not have a carousel or train like some other zoos but my kids didn't notice. Can get through the zoo in about an hour, 2 max. Most animals were active when we were there in mid March with temps in 50s. Only animals that were still not in exhibits due to cold were the alligator and tortoise as expected.
Samantha M — Google review
Terribly disappointed. The whole reason I went there was to see a naked mole rat which was featured on the website.( the only other zoo with naked mole rat is Bronx).There is major construction there, you can see like 3 animals in total.But weather was nice and walking through the zoo was nice, hence 2 stars.
Monika P — Google review
my hometown zoo. I always enjoy coming here when I visit. lots of interesting species of animals and nice exhibits!
Sarah C — Google review
This zoo needs some TLC. We enjoyed it, but it's not as nice as it was when I went in 2008.I love being able to get close to a giraffe. I wish we could have been able to feed it ourselves. I didn't think it was quite worth $5 just to stand closer to it. The Walk About was probably my favorite part. I didn't read the sign and had a big surprise when there was a Wallaby right inside the gate just sitting there 😳😂I thought the exercise trail/QR codes were really cool!
Sherie L — Google review
Well, I would say that this zoo was much better than I expected. They don't have the biggest variety, but what they do have are the essential animals like monkeys, a rhino, giraffe, tiger, snakes, bats, frogs, and many more. No bears or elephants. The zoo itself is clean and easy to navigate. Now you might be wondering, that doesn't sound exactly great... No bears? Well, parking is free. Yes, free. If you are used to Chicago you would think thats something you can only hope to land on in Monopoly. And the entrance fee is less than $13. So for a good, relaxing two hours, I would say that is a steal. Staff is very friendly too.
Andrew K — Google review
The best small town zoo around. We drove down from the Quad Cities and it was absolutely worth it! We will definitely be coming back again and again. The design is great they definitely took line of sight into consideration because you actually get to see the animals. The Australia walk about is so cool! Being so close to the animals free roaming around is awesome. Feeding the Giraffe is the best! The amount of shade going through the zoo is great! You aren't baking in the sun the whole time you're there, you're actually in the shade most of the time. Their food and drink options are great and they don't cost an arm and a leg like other places. The gift shop is large and has a great selection, again it is very reasonably priced. Just all around a fantastic zoo.The one "bad" thing I do want to say is the walking paths are a little beat up. It was a little difficult pushing a stroller and walking you do have to watch out for potholes and large cracks. There are also some steep inclines that older and disabled might find difficult.
Aaron W — Google review
Pretty nice zoo! They have a pretty good layout. Entry into the zoo wasn’t great though. 1 lady and the line was way back into the gift shop.. so people coming in the door would have to try and get around everything in line right when you come in the door.
meggieschill — Google review
Africa part of the zoo is good, the rest of the areas are not at all appealing. There is large snake I was surprised with the size of the snake it’s huge. The lion doesn’t have enough room I feel like and over all it’s ok one time thing. The cafeteria hardly has any items on the menu, even those that are on menu weren’t offered as their machine broke.
Sweety N — Google review
Very nice and well kept zoo right in Peoria. All of the exhibits were easy to see in 1 day and there were employees who were able to talk about the animals. Do not sleep on this zoo if you have never been!
Mike M — Google review
Not very many animals. It was an OK zoo. Was it work 12.50? Not really in my opinion. But we did go at the end of March. 🤷♂️
Tony H — Google review
Do not go on a rainy day or thunderstorms. Most animals are not out. Went on a field trip, and was soaking wet at end. We had to go...rain or shine due to a class we attended. Not seeing much. The giraffes were in their garage and you can view then through a window. They could not move around because the garage was as big as they were.There are a few indoor places to view animals but the popular ones are outdoors.This is a nice zoo, but not in a thunderstorm.
Tricia M — Google review
7
Caterpillar Visitors Center
Mentioned on
13 lists
Visitor center
Event venue
Museum
The Caterpillar Visitors Center offers interactive exhibits showcasing the company's history and powerful machines, including diggers, tractors, and trucks from vintage to modern. The exhibition center is staffed by friendly individuals who are knowledgeable about CAT. Their dedication extends to teaching young children how to operate simulation machines and vehicles. Expert testimonials have described the museum as awesome. Recommended for those interested in learning more about this monster machine company.
Awesome experience to learn this monster machine company. My father in law worked for caterpillar for over 35 years. We know it is an awesome and powerful company that he’s always been proud to work for. The exhibition center is very nice, we learned a lot of things about CAT and the staffs here are very nice and friendly.
LULU L — Google review
Okay, so I mostly went here for my boys, ages 3 and 6 years, but ended up entertaining not only myself, but my 10 and 8 year old girls. We got to climb into actual Caterpillar machinery, learn about engines and saw a few of their best marketing campaigns. We enjoyed ourselves.
Nikol R — Google review
this place has a cool exhibit, lots of interesting history displayed, and very knowledgeable and kind staff. Norbert, one of the retired CAT employees, was very knowledge in the field and was more than willing to go the extra steps to help us learn about the history of CAT and how it became the company it is today. if we ever were in town again, we would 100% come back and plan of recommending this place to others!
Grace K — Google review
Friday; expert testimonial. Bash proclaims Cat Museum "Awesome"!Saturday; "Grampa, I have a idea... We can go back to the museum."
Doane B — Google review
A great place to visit if you’re interested in the history of Caterpillar. There are many things too see but the only thing that will catch your eyes is the big mining truck. There are some pretty cool simulators which you can sit on and try using the different controls. The employees working here are retired Cat employees. I was assisted by Skip and Rose. Had a great conversation with both of them. Very kind , sweet and knowledgeable. Thank you.
Karan P — Google review
It's great fun for boys ages 1 to 62! This was a fun cousin memory. Kids under 12 are free, and adults are only $7, so it is a very cost-effective family activity.
Brianna G — Google review
If you like to know about Caterpillar history it is a good place to visit. The tour starts with a video about the global footprints and the services the company is doing. When you go downstairs you can witness the 100 year old long history and the company's evolution.They showcased every possible product they produce and there are some simulators in which you can sit and operate, and you can feel the machine operation. There are some CAT merchandise available for sale upstairs.
Mahesh K — Google review
Not only was this place awesome to see, but every single person that worked there was absolutely amazing! They even took the time to teach my young kids how to maneuver the simulation machines and the few vehicles that they could get in. Would definitely recommend going!!
Jenn G — Google review
Very well done and cool museum. After reading some reviews, thought it would be smaller than what it was, but thought it was overall a well done history of the company. Getting to see some equipment on display was fun and then the simulators were cool as well.
Shane B — Google review
Lots of fun for the whole family! There are simulators to try, Cats to hop on and sit in, a seven room engineering museum type thing- and all of the employees are really nice too.
Hodelia H — Google review
Truly enjoyed watching the bulky tractors and engines. Good place to visit with your family. The staff were so kind. But the clothes at the store were quite expensive.
Saleha S — Google review
We saw a sign for this place on the highway and visited it on a whim. Street parking is available, which you can pay for easily by phone. It is 7 USD for adults and free for the kids. You enter the cargo area of their mining truck to watch a short video, then take the stairs to the display area. Very clever way to display and get people to appreciate the truck's size. The kids enjoyed the simulator, which lets you practice several pieces of equipment. Much better quality than those simulators you find in other places. I guess these were developed for actual training.
Jaehyup K — Google review
A must see in Peoria. Kids will love this interactive displays. But the rest of the displays get repetitive and boring.Betret directions for parking need to be posted.Cool overpriced Gift shop.Meijet and ebay have better pricing.
Z 7 — Google review
I have swing by at the visitor center aiming to learn more about CAT history and legacy, in special regarding the entrepreneurship across the decades.As supplier it was a honor.
Robertson S — Google review
It is very cool to see the history of how it started from a small to large truck. The simulation is very great. There is a cinema in a big truck. This museum is worth your time.Only one negative - there don't have to access to offer such subtitles (closed captioning). I hope they can provide them for deaf or people who are in need of it.
Kehinde O — Google review
It’s amazing to see the big trucks and know about the history. The simulation is great to try the machines and feel the action.Very well maintained and very well designed with a lot of information
Sam A — Google review
You start the experience watching a movie in the back of a large mining truck. Then you continue on a self-guided tour of the history of CAT. Kids can climb into various CAT machines. There are interactive experiences to drive CAT bulldozers and excavators. We spent about an hour there.
Lindsey N — Google review
We went right when it opened on a Thursday morning so it wasn't crowded at all . All of the workers are very knowledgeable and very friendly. They have lots of information about caterpillar and like sharing it .Amazing to see the life like replica of the dump truck . It's hugeThe simulators for the heavy equipment are cool as well .
Brian A — Google review
Informative, historical, and interactive. More manufacturing companies should show off their pride with places like this for the public to understand more about what they do.
Darren S — Google review
4.7
(1074)
•
4.5
(454)
110 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
(309) 675-0606
8
Eagle Point Park
Mentioned on
1 list
City park
Nature & Parks
Park
Eagle Point Park is a picturesque city park that features breathtaking bluffs with views of the river. It boasts a historic lodge and castle turret that are open for stair climbs, along with fun play areas for children and picnic spots for families. The park also includes amenities such as a dog park and Frisbee golf course. With hiking trails, scenic vistas, and an impressive stone lookout tower, Eagle Point Park is an ideal destination to enjoy year-round outdoor activities in Clinton.
Attended a iTIP Symposium here and it was exceptional. Beautiful location, the scenery was outstanding and the care and attention to detail did not go unnoticed. A beautiful lodge worthy of all events small to large, personal and professional events. Clinton is so blessed! Thank you for the hospitality!
Bonnie A — Google review
Everyone knows that the park has a one way drive around most of the park and yet there is still goofs think that it isn't. There is even signage stating that after the parking area by the dog park. Had to remind someone and got an I know reply and yet why was he trying to the wrong way? Also was honked at for not letting go before me even though I had the right away
Bob W — Google review
We took our grandkids to Eagle Point Park, we wanted to take them to see the castle, and have them go up inside. We then took them to the playground where they had a wonderful time!
Bill D — Google review
Pretty cool area. Castle was my favorite part. I drove about an hour to check it out and it was a bit underwhelming for the length of travel.
Megan D — Google review
Absolutely beautiful park. The views are amazing. Great play grounds for kids. Picnic areas for family's. A dog park. A beautiful castle that over looks the river. Definitely a must see. Weather your from the area or just passing threw. You have to come check this park out.
Geneva — Google review
This place is absolutely beautiful we used to come here for family reunions when I was a kid n now I come back when I'm in the area for a race
Megan K — Google review
From our first visit in 2017 to finding the most beautiful setting for our wedding, we love this place.
Elle L — Google review
This is a very old city park. The park is very well maintain and the views over the Mississippi are fantastic, looking out over the lake formed by Lock and Dam 13. There is a overlook tower, that kids love that is built of stone with stone steps going up. There is a stone bridge built over a deep ravine. My grandsons used to love playing on the bridge. The park has a newly remodeled lodge with a large outdoor patio, where they can have weddings. The lodge has a kitchen and nice bathrooms, perfect for family get to gathers, with a beautiful view of the river. Also there are 2 nice playgrounds, and an additional roofed area for picnics. Great place for family reunions.
Joyce S — Google review
Great place to take the kids. Just be careful with your adventurous toddlers, I forgot how tall and narrow the stairs were.
Nicole N — Google review
Kids loved the little castle and the playground. They also loved the water feature. Beautiful overlook of the Mississippi River by the castle too.
Ken G — Google review
It was rainy out... a friend wanted to take me to show me the view, which was gorgeous. Apparently a lot if events held there - I can see why! Didn't get to see any of the rest of the park, but a nice stop - especially since he went out of the way to show me the view here!
Dawn M — Google review
A nice park to get out and enjoy nature and to enjoy some views of the Mississippi River
A B — Google review
It is a beautiful, soothing place. Green and peaceful. Today’s temperature is almost 95 degrees, which is a little exhausting for us to hang around. Will explore again. Great place.
Dr. S — Google review
The park is so lovely. Came to see take my dog to the dog park, which is nice and well kept. The trails outside the dog park are also great to explore. The park as a whole is clean and quiet and you get great views of the Mississippi.
Ashley Y — Google review
Love this park! One of the first places my family and I visited before moving to Clinton. Fun year-round. Great hiking trails, scenic views, playgrounds, Christmas light displays, Frisbee golf, dog park, the awesome stone lookout tower!
Billy Y — Google review
Perfect place for Prom pics. My daughter looked like a real-life princess in a castle!!!!
Jessica Q — Google review
Nice fenced dog park area, $3 entry, $1 each additional dog. Playground for the kids and good parking. There is a "castle" feature to see if you continue down the park road. Nice old fort or lookout, they were putting up decorative winter lights when I visited.
Jodi L — Google review
This is super cool and I wish I knew about it earlier! Just beautiful ❤️
Marie L — Google review
The dog park is one of the nicest in the country. We're lucky to have this resource.
Shelley S — Google review
4.7
(870)
•
4.5
(112)
3923 N 3rd St, Clinton, IA 52732, USA
(563) 243-1260
9
Mississippi Palisades State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
2,500-acre park with forest, river, bluffs & rock formations for outdoor sports, camping & picnics.
Beautiful place! I brought my kids who were 10 at the time. We camped in the state park it was nice. Make sure you check the length of some hikes! We ended up on a rather long one that was a very steep incline all the way up! We're all season hikers but it was a pretty tough hike considering it was about 95°. There is nice outlooks that you don't have to hike far too you can always drive up to them. One of the only places in Illinois you can rock climb no permit necessary!
Ryan B — Google review
If you like hilly hiking trails, this is a good place to go. Just be aware that the trails are narrow, and there is a lot of poison ivy by the trails. It's a good idea to wear long pants for the hikes.There are plenty of nice picnic areas and shelters in the park. The overlooks to the river are amazing. The camp ground is not crowded and pleasant to stay. A busy railway is close by, if you are not a deep sleeper, bring a few good ear plugs.
Lan F — Google review
Nice state park along the Mississippi River in NW Illinois. The Sentinel, Sunset, and Pine Trail is excellent and has great views. Parts of all trails can be overgrown so take note. Not a very busy park at all so you can hike in peace here.
FFKDTP1 — Google review
Went up there with group of close friends and family. Was Packed at one of the popular sites bc they had a group of young climbers, so we drove down a little farther to the Face of Doom. We setup three ropes and spent the day. Wasn't packed at all back there, two small groups of two people came and used our ropes. Here's a picture of one of the climbs. It would of gotten 5 stars but since 3/4s of the park is closed the remaining climbs have been polished making it not as much fun as it used to be 10 years ago or so. But still had one of the best days of the year for sure.
Nick P — Google review
Mississippi Palisades State Park is a great place for family camping. Campsites are spacious and the access to the Missouri river is easy. Nearby, Savannah, offers supplies and restaurants, and other small towns nearby are fun to visit. Maquoketa caves are terrific and it’s only a stones throw to visit lovely Galena. There are some lovely overlooks to hike to I understand but we did not make it to them.
Aj S — Google review
Some of the trails are a little bit overgrown, so I would recommend longer pants if you don't like that. There are a couple of restroom areas and are well maintained. Lots of cool views especially in the fall time! I would also recommend going through all of the trails in one day, it's quite the little day hike!
Maxwell R — Google review
We spent a wonderful weekend in April 2002 at the state park with BSA. The park was in good condition and the bathrooms were nice and clean. The ground was wet but it’s that time of year. I will definitely be back
Jesus G — Google review
We were staying in the area and drove out to see the sights. It didn’t take long to drive between the various lookouts and there were short walks to the various platforms. Almost all of them had benches to sit on and soak in the sights. It wasn’t crowded when we went - in fact, we saw a couple groups leaving and one person sitting at a table, but we were otherwise alone in the woods - save a furry friend we found on the way out… 🕷🕸The northern platforms are accessible by slopes, the southern ones had more stairs. They were all well-maintained.
Jeannine S — Google review
Really enjoy visiting this park. I have been visiting this park for the past 30 years and it always has great views, good trails, and we always seem to meet great people out here! The spring wildflowers are a treat on the Sentinel trail.
Brad A — Google review
It was a gorgeous stop! The point of my trip up there was to get in some hikes/walks... see the leaves changing (I was a little early, so not a ton of changes yet)... and get some great views.... My friend did not disappoint by bringing me here. Many asked if he was taking me to this park - so glad he did because it was beautiful! Once I can get my knees fixed and I can hike even further, I want to go back as I was limited to one path before pain kicked in. But even with bad knees, the trails aren't that bad at all - it killed me nit to go on more. Can't wait to go back! A great place to visit!!
Dawn M — Google review
Absolutely breathtaking view of the Mississippi River. Amazing how the railroad tracks run right along the edge. Lots of little over looks on the ledges to look out, trails, camping. Nice bathroom facilities. Amazing wildlife and nature. Trails and trails. Gorgeous and peaceful. Tons of grilling and picnic areas and also plenty of parking.
Courtney B — Google review
Just a 2.5 hour road trip out west towards Iowa from Chicago. The weather was cool from the rain passing through. Luckily the trails were mostly dry. This park is well-known for the lookout points over the Mississippi River on the Sentinel Trail and the Sunset Trail. The Sunset Trail is easier and the lookout point is accessible by car. Most of the hiking trails were well-maintained, but there were a few overgrown sections, especially the Prairie View Trail (short loop). I recommend you skip it and go straight to the Pine Trail which leads down to the Twin Sisters (rock formation). Overall, beautiful natural park. I would love to go back and camp out here to watch the sunset over the Mississippi River.
Andy P — Google review
This park is great for camping. Lot of camping sites available. There are few point where you can drive for awesome view. Few hiking trails are also available. The route to this park is also beautiful.
Mangesh W — Google review
Trails are rugged and offer a good hike and some good views. However, it is quite clear the State of Illinois doesn't take care of the park or the trails. Hiking paths not updated or taken care of.Grass paths overgrown and tree trunks laying the middle of the trail. I will not be going back anytime soon. Would have given it one star except for the views.
Abe M — Google review
My camping experience at Mississippi Palisades State Park was absolutely wonderful! The natural beauty of the park is truly breathtaking, with stunning views of the Mississippi River and unique rock formations. The campgrounds were well-maintained and had all the necessary amenities.The hiking trails offered a variety of scenic routes, and I had a fantastic time exploring the diverse landscapes. Whether it was hiking along the riverbanks or climbing to higher vantage points for panoramic views, there was always something captivating to see.The park staff were friendly and helpful, making check-in and any inquiries a breeze.
Dimo R — Google review
Lookouts beautiful, after reading other reviews about the bugs I was worried but it was not that bad at all. Ranger Very nice, we camped in a tent,.went fishing, and hiking. The bathrooms could use some updating but flush toilets and hot showers. It is dog friendly
J&V C — Google review
Beautiful quiet place. The closest thing to Tennessee mountains you will see in illinois. Steps to the view pictured aren't bad, but it is not handicap accessible.It's worth the drive.
Brandie D — Google review
4.6
(1392)
•
4.5
(147)
16327A IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074, USA
(815) 273-2731
10
Buffalo Bill Museum
Mentioned on
6 lists
Museum
Museum of space history
Recreation center
Specialty Museums
The Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire offers a fascinating look into the life of William Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill, and the heritage of the Mississippi River. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts related to regional history, including an 1800s stern wheeler and early Native American Indian displays. The museum also showcases a variety of items such as Chris Craft Speed Boat, a handcrafted replica of the riverboat Robert E. Lee, and early 1900s ladies' fashions.
There is so much more to see here then we ever expected!!! The admission was just $5 for adults and we saw and learned so much while here. There are artifacts from many different decades to experience and learned about as well as helpful videos. And to top it off, you can see and walk through and old paddle wheel boat. All the parts are marked and explained as you got through it. Truly just a great little museum. We expected to be there half an hour and ended up spending almost two hours inside.
Jennifer W — Google review
Very cool museum the lone star boat was really neat! Actually walking all around that boat was cool! Lots of history!
Apple C — Google review
The buffalo bill museum is a well put together exhibition of the rich local history. I talked the the gentleman who runs the museum and he was welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate. They have some excellent memorabilia and artifacts. One of my favorite parts is the restored wooden steamboat. It's an incredibly interesting exhibit to explore. Worth the stop. I would recommend having at least an hour or more.
John C — Google review
Really interesting artifacts! We happened upon this place by accident but it was worth it! The old boat they have displayed is very cool!
Calli — Google review
Ran into a man at a little food shop down the road and was talking to him about attractions in the area. He recommended this place and we told him that we would probably go check it out after lunch and we did.We pull up and there he is, walking us in telling us that he is the current president on the board of this museum.We go in and he pays for my family of 5 admittance. We took the tour, my kids did the scavenger hunt and the whole experience was Great!A lot of information and very cool exhibits in this place. The boat was very neat.My whole family enjoyed it.Thank you for a wonderful experience👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Will P — Google review
An interesting mix of artefacts from the area spanning the last 200 years or so. It sometimes feels like a trek through grandma and grandpa's attic, but hey, what's not to like about poking around in an attic? The old tug Lone Star was fascinating to meander through, and the staff were all very friendly.
Sean K — Google review
There is a lot to see here, not just about Buffalo Bill Cody, but also about the town of Le Claire itself. You'll pay about $5 to get in and it's well worth it. Take your time and explore. Don't forget to have a look at the old school house at the other end of the museum.
Tommy M — Google review
We had a great time! We had 4 kids (age 7-11) and there were so many fun things to check out. The one room school house and boat deck were the faves. Also impressive how many old timey celebrities have ties to Iowa and Illinois. This is a great experience (also adding a meal at happy joes and checking the river front after make for a great outing!)
Jenna I — Google review
This was a very cool little museum with lots of history packed inside. Was only $5 to get in and worth every penny. Growing up with a father that worked on the illinois and Mississippi River it brought back a flood of memories. First picture is one of many boats that my father worked on. Captain David Todd is his name. Sadly he passed away in 2020
Joseph T — Google review
This place is phenomenal. There is more to it than Buffalo Bill, there are also other exhibits about other famous people from Le Claire which I found very interesting. There's also exhibits showcasing local history including antique tools, photographs, textile work, and even a cute little corner about the local high school. The preserved steam boat is astounding and you can walk around inside of it and check out the engines and quarters and things. There's also a one room schoolhouse replication and the history behind that. This isn't just a museum, it's evidence of small town pride trickling through generations.
Leah F — Google review
Very cool museum. Buffalo Bill was born there, and there is a tremendous amount of Buffalo Bill history. There is also a good amount of Le Claire history, as well as river history. We very much enjoyed it. If you're in the area and like history, this is a very good stop. Highly recommend.
Jeremy P — Google review
This is a great museum. Lots of interesting information and artifacts. It wasn't crowded and I was able to take my time. Being able to go aboard the river boat was fun and educational.
Denise — Google review
Kid friendly, they have interactive displays, a large actually retired steamboat to explore, a one room school house, and videos as well. I learned a lot and so did my teenage son that's usually on his phone. So win! They do have a small gift shop which I liked that helps support them.
Jay S — Google review
We heard from family that this was a neat stop. My kids don't generally do well with museums, but figured it was inexpensive and worth a shot.There was no wait at all. We walked in and the front desk greeted us gleefully. We paid and she started telling us how to navigate. Then, she breaks out scavenger hunt sheets for the kids!! They've never been more excited to explore a museum in their life. There was plenty of artifacts from history about not only Buffalo Bill, but other historical figures & events of the town.I love aviation and the father of the 'Black Box was from the area, so they have a few of his early pieces on display!We thought this was going to be a quick 20 minute stop and we walked around for over an hour, and we could have easily spent another half hour or more watching the educational videos about the displays.Overall, it's very affordable and worth the time. I definitely recommend the stop!
Mike B — Google review
4.6
(599)
•
4.0
(330)
199 Front St, Le Claire, IA 52753, USA
(563) 289-5580
I'll never travel to Deadwood without this trip planner again
11
Riverboat Twilight
Mentioned on
3 lists
Cruise agency
Tours
Boat tour agency
Boat Tours
Riverboat Twilight is an elegant triple-decked riverboat that offers a variety of cruises, including day trips, overnight stays, and sightseeing tours with dining options. The sightseeing cruise lasts for just under two hours and provides the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views along the river while learning about its history from the captain. Passengers can also spot wildlife such as bald eagles during the journey.
Really great experience. The subtle vibration of the boat and the gentle sway of the Mississippi are very relaxing! Crew is friendly and knowledgeable. Food is good and there is too much of it. The Twilight is beautifully appointed, with many decorative features. There is WiFi onboard. We booked the 2 day cruise and I have learned a ton about the Mississippi river culture that I was not expecting. Overnight stay is at the Grand Harbor Resort and water park; great for kids to bring a swimsuit.
Chris F — Google review
Riverboat Twilight - Mississippi River Cruise! Some pictures of my 2 day cruse on the Mississippi from Le Claire Iowa to Dubuque Iowa. Great people, good food and wonderful memories! I loved the entertainment! As we traveled up the river the tree colors were just beautiful. I learned so much about the Mississippi and life on the river! If you have ever thought about taking this trip I highly recommend you go! 😊👍👍👍
Julie J — Google review
Loved the 2 day cruise. The food is amazing and plentiful. If you go hungry, it's your own fault. The Captain is very knowledgeable of sites along the river.
Todd L — Google review
This is a great trip! The boat is beautiful, the food is delicious, the captain is very knowledgeable about the river, and the staff works very hard and is friendly. Scenery is exceptional. Eagles, pelicans, and gulls are plentiful. I love how the captain points out all the interesting things, wildlife, tows, and history of the river. It is a great place to relax and ride.I have taken this trip 2 times now and also the 1 day trip in the fall. I recommend highly.
Chicken L — Google review
Very relaxing cruise with wonderful staff! They go above and beyond to make sure you have a great time. Food is excellent and they will make accommodations for dietary needs if you communicate that ahead of time! We did a full day trip and it was enjoyable. It was a very hot day but if you sit on the shaded side of the boat, it is quite pleasant. Boat is air conditioned if you get too hot. Definitely see lots of eagles and even pelicans on the cruise. We will be back!
C L — Google review
We took the Saturday morning cruise up to Guttenburg and back. The captain gave a lot of cool information about the history along the river. We saw about 30 bald eagles. The inside was air conditioned if you got hot. Nice light breakfast and then a mid morning snack. The brisket for lunch wasn't so hot, but the desserts were yummiest. We stopped in Guttenberg and strolled the quaint town and had ice cream at Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream. All in all it was a very relaxing and beautiful ride on the river.
Darren M — Google review
Very relaxing enjoyable trip up and down the Mississippi. The captain was very informative. Saw lots of eagles. The food was very good. Always something to snack on. Entertainment was good. Spent the night in Dubuque and that was smooth. As advertised luggage was in the room waiting when we got there.Plenty of seating on 3 decks to enjoy the outside. I would definitely recommend this trip.
Kim D — Google review
We had a lot of fun. We were on the 1 1/2 hour ride that started at 1:30 PMI am fairly new to the area and I quickly fell in love with the river so this cruise was very exciting to me.We sat on the top deck in rocking chairs, just relaxing and chatting with the other passengers. We all decided we wanted a drink and we all got a Mississippi Mudd Slide, it was amazing. My husband and I really enjoyed ourselves!
Elizabeth ( — Google review
I'm a quad city native i've been on this boat several times. It's a very fun and family oriented. I wish I would do longer cruises on this ship. They also accommodate having a service dog, and I really appreciate that. Definitely Encourage reservations. Tickets sell quickly.
Cody Y — Google review
Absolutely amazing boat ride! Mom always wanted to see the Mississippi River so we made the roadtrip to Iowa from burbs of Chicago (such an easy little road trip!). A 90 minute 3 decker boat ride was $20.00 per person- smooth wonderful ride & plenty for chairs! Drinks on the top deck! The Captain was very informative & a wealth of information. So glad we made the trip, mom's grin & happy relaxed face said it all! Thank you to all who take care of all of us visitors!!
D K — Google review
This is a must. Book in advance and enjoy a two day trip. We had the best weather, the crew was amazing. We played a trivia game and there was live music. There was so much food I was stuffed like a turkey by the second day
Tina I — Google review
The Riverboat Cruise was something that I'd wanted to do for years I would say over 5 years and I was glad I was able to do this 90 minute cruise it was a little over $20 a person it was about an hour going up the river going to Princeton Iowa and then it was about 30 minutes going down the river with the current. I really enjoyed this it was Scenic it was interestingI think this would be something anyone who wants to experience more of the Mississippi River but doesn't want to spend the day or a day and a half and hundreds of dollars doing this would be a good way to get your toe in the water :-) It was safe staff was friendly I'm really glad I went and would highly recommend
CJ F — Google review
The last two days have been wonderful. This company really does a great job of showing their customers a good time. If you've never been on a cruise and a little nervous, give them a try. You'll be sold.
Linda T — Google review
Took the day trip from Dubuque to Guttenberg and it was a great day. The food served was phenomenal. Beautiful ship and a nice way to see and learn some things about the river. Highly recommended.
Rob C — Google review
Really relaxing and informative cruise on the Twilight.Captain Kevin would point out wildlife (Bald Eagles, Pelicans, Coots, and many more) using the ships P.A. along with pointing out information about the barges we passed, and the train bridges, and the locks.We took the 2 day cruise that starts in Le Claire, Iowa and goes north to Dubuque, Iowa.The staff assigns a table to you as you board the Twilight which is yours for the duration of the cruise. They fed us a continental breakfast, snack, a plated lunch, another snack, and a plated dinner on the first day. The food was pretty good!We stayed overnight at a hotel in Dubuque and had Breakfast at Tony Roma's. Then back on board we had a snack, plated lunch, another snack, and a plated dinner.All the crew is friendly and very helpful. There is a well stocked small bar on the 3rd deck with many different beers. And they have souvenir glasses you can buy for your mixed drinks or wine.The gift shop is open like an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. There was magnets, key chains, light jackets, t-shirts, blankets, and other fun things branded with Riverboat Twilight embroidery.Make sure to up on the 4th level to the pilot house, and look at the big wooden steering wheel.Totally recommend the Riverboat Twilight as a relaxing 2 days.
David C — Google review
12
Antique Archaeology
Mentioned on
3 lists
Antique store
Shopping
Souvenir store
Antique Archaeology, the home of American Pickers, is a must-see for fans of the show. Located in LeClaire, Iowa, this store offers visitors the chance to purchase salvaged historical items featured on the show. The store is easily recognizable with its old car out front and is filled with souvenirs and antiques from various episodes. Even if you're not a fan of the show, the knowledgeable staff can provide insight into the history of each item.
It’s cool when you pull up and recognize the store and the old car out front. It’s pretty cool in both stores recognizing the picks from various episodes. This store is more recognizable than the Nashville store and it’s a good way to spend an hour or so. Lots of souvenirs to purchase. I was kind of hoping Mike would be there. But again we missed him. Nobody was at the Nashville store either about a year ago. Still if you’re a fan of American Pickers this is a cool stop if you’re in the area. Also, LeClaire is beautiful too!!!
Paul L — Google review
Good place to visit if you like the show. They have a lot of things that you will recognize from watching American Pickers.
Dwight F — Google review
Hubs was wishing more of the big items were for sale, but all in all it was a fun excursion! Loved the Nashville shop and so glad we finally made it to Le Claire!
Kaitlin W — Google review
It's a cool stop if you're a Pickers fan. Expect it to be set up more like a mini museum and gift shop. We'd already been to the Nashville location and knew what to expect. There's something extra special about coming to the original location in LeClaire. Some employees were just stocking merchandise, but a few were very knowledgeable and could answer questions about some unique items.
R D — Google review
Great place to visit if you're a fan of American Pickers, it's very clean and neat because they still film new episodes there. I like their t-shirts & stickers, staff was very polite and evenly told me about Franks recovery progress.I will be back soon,LaClaire is a beautiful little town on the Mississippi River.
Konrad A — Google review
9-6-2021Look 👀 where we just stumbled into?This is Mike’s store.We “Picked”a few souvenirs.2-Cool stores..MANY interesting items from the tv show to look at or purchase.
Through G — Google review
It was neat to see many of the items that they have picked on the shows! The larger facility was not open to the public when I went due to shooting part of the show but the smaller shop was so quaint. The staff were super helpful and friendly!
Sandy E — Google review
This was fun! Love all the motorcycles and sci fi items they have for sale, reasonably priced. Le Claire is a beautiful town!
Becky — Google review
So fun! I watched the show for years! I got a t shirt for 15$! Neat stop!!!
Apple C — Google review
If you are a real fan of this show then it’s a must see. You can buy a lot of cool antiques all from the episodes of the show. There are some of Mike Wolfe’s personal things in there not for sale, but they are awesome to see. If you are not a fan of the show then go in anyway. The employees at the Iowa location are top notch. They will walk around and tell you the history on anything and where it was picked. If you make an offer, Mike is called, within a couple of minutes you get a counter offer from Mike. His employees make it seem just like the show. It’s a great time even if you don’t buy anything. Emme, Chensa, and Sarah Thank you so much. Prices are very reasonable and if you watch the show, you know Mike Wolfe doesn’t rip anyone off.
Anthony T — Google review
Visited last weekend and other than the prices it didn't disappoint. They have a lot in a small space. It won't tale up.much of your time ... This is a 15-30 minute stop if you are a fan of the show at all this is a must. Area is quaint and scenic but the mighty mississippi
Darby F — Google review
Nice that it was open on Sunday for a friend from Minnesota out visiting. He loved the motorcycles.
Jenn B — Google review
Great antique store. Fun to poke through. Right on the Mississippi River.
John P — Google review
Wow, very neat store with some excellent displays and things to b buy. Fun to look around. Cool stuff. If you like the tv show American Pickers, this is them. Another location in Nashville. This store in Iowa is just minutes off the freeway.
Dave B — Google review
The newer building is mostly souvenirs. The older building is more like a museum with most "cool" things being not for sale. Still fun to see just once.
Denise — Google review
The store is literally 5-10 minutes off the interstate and very easily accessible. This is a TELEVISION SHOW location! There are souvenirs for the show and some items they’ve picked that are for sale. If you are looking to pick through lots of rusty gold go do what Mike & Frank do… this is more of an homage to the show which I enjoyed immensely with my 7 year old daughter.
Michael H — Google review
Located in the small town of LeClaire Iowa along the Mississippi River.This store is the home to the TV series American Pickers. You will see many items featured in the show that are either for sale or just in display.Most items were not for sake but it was fun to look at and browse. They sell many souvenir items such as tshirts,keychains,etc.
John M — Google review
American Pickers is not just a history lesson but also great seeing so many wonderful characters along the roads back streets & highways of the great American landscape. Oh boy what a Country. * Also love the passion & knowledge of Mike Frank and team ❤️
Sean A — Google review
4.2
(3523)
•
3.5
(911)
115 Davenport St, Le Claire, IA 52753, USA
(563) 265-3939
13
Figge Art Museum
Mentioned on
16 lists
Art museum
Museums
The Figge Art Museum is a notable museum that features an impressive collection of international works, including pieces by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors can explore multiple floors of exhibitions and take advantage of the elevator for easy access. The on-site gift shop offers a wide range of art pieces for purchase, making it a great destination for art enthusiasts. Additionally, seniors can enjoy free entry to the museum and visitors may even stumble upon live entertainment performances like those given by the UNI dancers.
9-18-2021Very interesting museum, lots of different areas of exhibitions. 3 stories and there is an elevator. Loved the boutique shop which had so many wonderful art pieces for purchase. If you have an afternoon to spare you should really visit…..you’ll be glad you did. So very nice!
Through G — Google review
This was a really nice experience. Floor upon floor of exhibits. On our visit we saw the amazing Women in Sports over the years exhibit. The clothing worn for each sport was highlighted and displayed. It was fascinating. Stop in the gift shop on your way out! Friendly staff and there are activities for kids and a place where they can do art projects.
Emily J — Google review
Last year I went to the Figge for the first time for our Art Educators of Iowa concert and I was absolutely flabbergasted about why I’d never been before. First, the were excellent hosts for our conference but I really want to compliment the curators. When I had visited there was a very diverse showcase of artists, and they were also honoring Dia de los Muertos. The space is large enough to spend an afternoon looking and learning about the artwork. I would recommend looking for any events that they host in the gallery as well; we participated in a sound bath meditation that was really special.
Audrey K — Google review
As artists ourselves we were pleasantly surprised at the artworks on exhibit! Excellent * we enjoyed it very much! An added bonus - it was a free entry for seniors and they also had entertainment by the UNI dancers which was very nice!
Naser S — Google review
Terrific museum. We were fortunate to visit on a day with free entry for the entire family! Helpful staff, great collection of 19th and 20th century American and European art. Bonus points for easy parking.
Mike W — Google review
The Figge is such a great resource for the community! There’s so much to see and learn about here - whether you’re really into art or not. The Life and Art of Charles M. Schultz was fascinating, and the works by local art teachers in #Beyond the Classroom was inspiring! There’s something for everyone here! I’d highly recommend a visit!
Michael C — Google review
I love that the Figge Art Museum has worked on inclusivity and representation in their curation of art. They also offer multiple free entry opportunities so everyone has opportunity immerse themselves in the art.
Tia — Google review
We went to our annual family reunion, and this museum was a great pass time in the area. Very interesting mix of art and perspectives. Extra kudos for the “Anne Lindberg: think like the river with poet Ginny Threefoot” installation.
Diana C — Google review
One day activity for those who live in Quad cities, the Museum displays arts created by students of different school districts in the nearby areas. They also displayed fashion in the US, back in the 1800s.
Tauheed M — Google review
This is a wonderful small town museum with a varied collection stretching from European masters to Haitian multimedia. The Ansel Adams collection and the Grant Wood exhibits are not to be missed. Wonderful location on the shore of the Mississippi and there is a nice coffee bar and terrace. Overall a star and we give it four clams ( five stars on the millennial rating) on the coveted Five Quahog Rating Scale.
Quahog — Google review
Various art here. There is lots of wide open space and some quiet viewing to really absorb the conveyed concepts and messages in the many great works.Friendly staff and rotating special exhibits.
Rodney G — Google review
Oh Figgee Art Museum was a Blast from the PastI just happen to go the weekend of Halloween and they had Day of the Dead displays a fortune teller a wet bar a lounge like a little museum and they had a photo place you can put a hat or funky glasses. I did bothe. Drinks excellent. They also have their own gift shop. Parking Great it's the building to the right of Figgee. I believe that is North Very clean place easy access I'm mobility and had plenty of room to push my walker w/ me
Stephanie S — Google review
A nice small town museum, not the biggest collection, but decent enough to spend a few hours. I enjoyed both the Snoopy and Haitian art. Lost a star as I was hoping for a little more based on the price point
Mark T — Google review
Love this place!! Great for the kids! They have awesome permanent galleries that are awesome to look at every visit and they have awesome temporary exhibits. We went to the women and sports through history which was fascinating, we went to the wizard of oz exhibit which was to die for as an avid collector of all things oz! They also did a Buddhist relic tour once that was soo moving! Great space for hosting private events and they also show films from time to time that are fascinating!
Bethany W — Google review
I visited when they had the brilliant Charles Schultz exhibit. Just fantastic! My entry was included with my cruise fare on my voyage with American Queen Voyages on American Countess.
John R — Google review
What a treasure for Davenport, IA! I highly recommend visiting this beautiful museum if you appreciate fine art. I can tell that it’s run by true enthusiasts & lovers of the art world. Such a unique place! Great gift shop too!
Brooks L — Google review
14
Bally's Quad Cities Casino & Hotel
Mentioned on
1 list
Casino
Casinos & Gambling
Banquet hall
Event venue
Bally's Quad Cities Casino & Hotel is a luxurious destination featuring modern rooms, various dining options, an indoor pool, and a spa. Located just off Interstate 280 in Rock Island, this Las Vegas-style casino and hotel offers over 200 rooms, three restaurants, a nightclub, sports bar, and a spa. With 43,000 square feet of gaming space including 1,000 slot machines and 18 table games like blackjack and roulette.
Make sure to use Hᴏᴛᴇʟʙᴏʟʟʏ.ᴄᴏᴍ when booking any room. They compare hundreds of booking web sites and typically will have rates a lot cheaper compared to others! Thank me later! This place is the best rated in the area. I've been coming here for a long time. If you decide to stay here you definitely won't regret it.The buffet was surprisingly very good! The casino was also fun! Lots of fun machines. Lots of people winning good amounts around us!
Ali R — Google review
Had fun. No smoking facility. Love it!!! Ate at the little cafe. Person could have been friendlier. Guys at the front were cherry and inviting. The lady in the cafe could learn from them. 🙂 My favorite casino in the QCA
Kathy R — Google review
This place is really nice between the rooms and casino. I believe her name was Connie at player services but she was amazing. Super friendly and helpful. All staff greeted me and were very nice. Highly recommend this place even if its just for the hotel. The casino however does seem to have high payouts compared to most casinos.
Just G — Google review
Clean, very laid back. NO smoke smell- (definitely a plus!!!!!) Machines paid pretty well.
Michele C — Google review
Staff: The staff is nice. The dealers are bland but that’s normal.Building: The building is clean and super big.Food: The buffet is amazing. The sports bar also has food which is reasonably priced and good.Star rating: 5 stars because it’s a great place to practice your luck.Notes: This reviewer is not liable for any loss of house, spouse, pension, limb, or luck.ATM/ Cashier fees are almost 6$.Join the rewards and you can get free gifts, cash off at the sports bar or free buffets like pictured. If you are a legend, lucky you!If this review helped, please hit the thumbs up below!
Nicolas W — Google review
What A Great Place For Adults To Get Away And Enjoy A Night Of Feeling Like They Are In Vegas!! So Many Great Games To Choose From- Table Games, Slots, Giveaways And So Much More All The Time!! A Clean Casino With So Many Great Things To Do At Any Time Of The DAY!! The Buffet Is AMAZING EveryTime!!We Love To Go Here Any Chance We Have To Get Out For A Night!! We Chose This Beautiful Location To Stay The Night On Our Wedding Night!! We Had A Decent Room - No Suite Available But It Was Still Awesome To Get To Stay The Night And Get To Party As Long As We Wanted🤘We Recommend This Casino To Anyone Looking For A Good Time Out!! We Look Forward To Getting To Come Back Here Again!!
T D — Google review
Buffet was sad for a price 30.00 meal. Prime rib overcook, Soup was disgusting coagulated half cooked prefab mess . The chicken was overcooked, the serve staff(not wait staff) was overstressed and undermanned- It was ridiculous. I felt sorry for them. Half of the food items offered were empty or dried out and often mislabeled. I was a waiter at one time so I can give them a break but come on Bally's get your act together. One thing positive to say they finally added so low sugar desert options which should have been present from the get go considering they clientele often were older and likely more often than not have dietary concerns including diabetes. This is why they got a two star and not a one.
Joe P — Google review
First they sent us to a room that the key didn't work. Maintenance came up and got us into the room. Ten minutes later they called saying they put us in the wrong room. Moved us to an identical room on another floor. Said they reserved the room to someone else the following day. It was identical room on a different floor. Then climate control only put out cold air. Wall paper was peeling off. Handle on restroom door was ready to fall off. Shower was great. Priced to high
Jeff B — Google review
We ate buffet and played slots. Not overly impressed with anything or any staff. Waitress in buffet was the only one friendly. No valet, old people need that, cold or hot! Parking has always been awful there. The 2 minute competition games were very unorganized to a stranger and the 2 girls running it tried to ignore me asking where and what to do. They were busy talking together and laughing. People in line were more helpful. Sorry to complain as I love to have fun!
Jean B — Google review
Went here for anniversary. Was really not impressed. The buffet closed at 5 on Sunday. The sports bar was nice for a quick bite. Our waitress was awesome, wish I could remember her name. Slots were very tight
Linda N — Google review
I didn't have too good of an experience. In the time I spent there I did not see very any people "winning". I understand its gambling but out of everyone there during the time I was most casinos would of shown some significant wins. But I didn't see a single hand pay or even heard about anyone getting g a big win. Now that doesn't mean it didn't happen but it explained why there wasn't as many people ther. For the amount I played I should of had more than 1 win over $20. Needless to say I will go "across" town to another casino before I come back here.
The O — Google review
Had a great time! Room was nice. Casino let me play for awhile, that's nice, the machines in this area have been sooo tight for the past year.
Janet F — Google review
It's a casino. There is 1 purpose and 1 purpose only. For you to leave your money behind to work harder and longer to do it all again. Like shampoo and conditioner. ....Rinse and repeat... Though I do not gamble with my money, I enjoyed my time there very much.Thank you staff fora pleasant experience
Jasen K — Google review
We were very impressed with this casino. The rooms were clean and very good-sized. All the staff were very friendly and helpful 🙂 The food was very good. Friday fish fry was very good, cod done to a tea. The salmon was some of the best I have tasted 😋 The casino is smoke-free, and we were able to play the slots. The slots allowed us to play and get some bonus. We were all happy we stayed here. Definitely will be back.
Wayne D — Google review
I love their buffet. The brunch buffet is amazing. Everything from bacon and eggs to prime rib and all the side dishes. We were there for Mother's Day and the place was very busy, but the staff kept up with everything from serving food to clearing tables. I'm not into gambling, however my wife is and she is very happy with Bally's. We recommend this business.
Tony R — Google review
First time there I thought it would be a little loud since it has a major casino in it as well but was surprised how quiet it was in the rooms,does have room for truck parking but could have a number to call front desk for truck drivers to call and and maybe send a valet golf cart driver to pick the driver up, it is a bit of a walk for truck drivers. No complaints just a suggestion. Thx.
Isiaha D — Google review
I'm a travel nurse and was thoroughly enjoying going to Bally's quad cities every 2 weeks when I had some down time. I was receiving some great deals/offers via email and snail mail making it possible for me to afford to stay a couple days and play. Then in June the offers stopped... so I stopped going. Guess they can thank the marketing department for ending my visits.Regarding my stay. Most of the staff made it fun. Housekeeping always accommodating, hotel reservations staff was patient with my room requests and always accommodating as well and always did their best to allow early check in when I had been up all night working, drove all the way from Janesville WI and would show up straight from work still in my scrubs.The room was clean most of the time. My last visit I stayed in a room that had trash on the floor under the chaise lounge and personal items left in the night stand. The bathroom door of heavy wood would not slide easily on the tracks.The buffet was a huge disappointment with long waits when only a few people were actually eating, tables weren't getting cleared and customers were having to wait even though staff was observed standing around talking. Once seated I observed the buffet wasn't getting restocked and when they did and food was spilt in the process the staff just left it there rather than cleaning up the spill.
Cindy B — Google review
I think their buffet needs to be open later than 8pm on the weekends, and their crab the extra fee is outrageous when you dont get much for the price. The food was all pretty much put away so there was not much to eat, and the employees were boxing up their own meals to take home while the customers were still trying to get food. If you are going to close that early and have no food- please inform the customers that there is no real selectionPaying $80+ for 2 people to have the experience we did. Not greatWe wanted a different place to eat and it obvious is a place to comeTo during the day or early evening not around 7-7:30pm and have almost all food put away
Carrie B — Google review
I am only giving a three star review for one reason. The sheets on the bed were like sleeping been two pieces of card board. Other than the stiff sheets all was well.
Craig R — Google review
They changed the whole name and vibe of the place. Then when I went to get a players card they said I had one, from back when it was Jumors when I was 21. Seems stupid to have a "new casino" but old card.I got married and my name changed and that was an entire issue.
Kaidyn H — Google review
Had a great time at the casino. Did not stay here or visit the buffet. The entire staff was courteous and friendly. The players club ladies were awesome. We only used the free soda machines but the co*cktail servers seemed always around. Very clean casino. We will definitely visit again.
J M — Google review
Half of the games were broken and shut off. Staff couldn't even tell us how the promotion they were running works. We walked into the casino went to the soda machine and immediately some lady was yelling for staff. I thought it was a big winner...... nope it was some guy on the floor in need of medical attention and it took them well more than long enough to attend to the situation considering the number of casino staff on duty at any given time. I've seen faster responses from local law enforcement agencies and they are slower than molasses in January to get to anyone.
Matthew M — Google review
Be nice if new memberships had more freebies. Not thrilled over my gambling "luck". But otherwise clean and shiny! Staff super friendly.
Wynne L — Google review
Good location, rooms are OK, drink service on the gaming floor sucks. Definitely not Vegas. Several hours on. Saturday late afternoon and never saw server.
John S — Google review
It's hard to give any casino 5 stars due to losing paychecks there 🫣 saying that, they have the only poker room in the QC as well as great table games and side bets (free bet blackjack). friendly dealers and security.
Bradley G — Google review
1st time visiting. Membership included various promotions and a bag 🎒. Staff was friendly, and the room was clean and spacious. Won at the casino. That is always a plus. Sorry I did not get pictures of our Buffet Dinner. Whole fried catfish on Fridays!
Marchelle N — Google review
Had a great time at this casino yesterday! I left about $400 ahead, and enjoyed sitting down for a meal at their buffet before leaving for the day.My only complaint was the patron who, upon seeing that I wasn’t using a card, wouldn’t stop pestering me about playing on his. I didn’t, and eventually just moved to another machine. Not exactly something I can hold against the casino itself, but still very annoying!
R. 2 — Google review
Always a good experience here. Great when you win! Sat and invested $500 max bets on this machine. Finally walked away and came back an hour later and won $800.
Terry C — Google review
Always a great treat being in the smoke free facility and I believe there honeymoon suite is top tier while keeping it quaint with the energy driving up more promotions, gifts, good dining and golf balls out back.
Justin — Google review
3.9
(3675)
•
4.5
(2067)
777 Bally Blvd, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
(309) 756-4600
15
Chestnut Mountain Resort
Mentioned on
1 list
Ski resort
Nature & Parks
Chestnut Mountain Resort is a bustling ski destination complete with a sports bar, indoor pool, and outdoor activities. The hills are impressive and accompanied by friendly instructors. However, some patrons have experienced issues with rental boots that caused discomfort during skiing. Nevertheless, the resort offers refunds for unused rentals in such cases. Despite limited options on the menu, guests can enjoy on-site food as a post-ski snack.
Nice lodging at one of the best skiing resorts in the Midwest. Utterly beautiful views from the ski slopes, and west sided hotel room windows. Gorgeous sunset views. Don't expect the four seasons when it comes to accommodations, however the rooms are nice enough, and anything they lack in flashy, new furnishings they more than make up for with incredible service. Every level of staff was helpful and accommodating from housekeeping to the front desk and management. Highly recommended.
John P — Google review
I’ve been skiing there for years and it never disappoints. Stayed there with wife and kids. Convenience at your fingertips from neat rooms to delicious drinks and meals at the in-house restaurant. They offer great rental equipment and tune for your personal gear. Variety of ski/snowboarding lessons are also available to those who are interested. At night enjoyed a nice hot tub and sauna while kids splash in the pool.
Krzysztof W — Google review
My wife and I had a wonderful time. We especially enjoyed the time together. The views were spectacular. We witnessed a sun set that took our breath away. I felt very fortunate to have experienced it with the Love of my life. Thank Jehovah God for his creations all majestic and perfect!
Jose C — Google review
We visited to go on the Alpine Slide and ski lift back up, as well as lunch in the restaurant. The restaurant has fairly limited options, but the cheeseburger pizza we ordered was very good. Beautiful view from the restaurant, which looks nice as well. The slide was very fun, wish it was longer! The ski lift ride back up was just as enjoyable as the slide. It was a gorgeous day and super peaceful.
Cadence G — Google review
We came for the “Galena Sky Trail” race, stayed 2 nights. Restaurant food was very good. Views are phenomenal. We brought cords to charge our devices, but be aware there are no USB charge stations in or out of the rooms.
CHR L — Google review
Great hills, friendly trainers. The boot renter people could have been a little more helpful. I ended up having to stop due to pain in my feet, which didn't fit well in the rental boots, so I cannot comment on the ski hills very well. I did get refunded everything since I barely used them, and was reassured that I was not the first to quit due to pain. My mother who is a better skier than I had a great time. There is also on site food, which is a little expensive, and not a very large menu, but it sufficed as an after ski snack.
Speki F — Google review
This hotel is high quality and is great for kids! The pool goes up to nine feet deep and they have an Alpine Slide and Zip Line. They have a restaurant and bar as well as a breakfast buffet in the morning. This resort is the perfect vacation spot for you and your loved ones!
Olivia H — Google review
Beautiful location with beautiful views, about 20 minutes away from downtown Galena. The resort however, is in serious need of updating, although the bed was very comfortable. Tiny bathroom with very little place to set toothbrush and other personals. Small room with old carpet and decor.The in-hotel restaurant served very decent food and the staff was very pleasant.
Janlyn A — Google review
DO NOT GO HERE. Worst experience of my life. Only 2 families using the lift, not busy at all and employee managed to not listen to instruction to stop the lift to allow parents to safely enter and exist the seats. Employee did not listen even after repeating myself 3 times to stop lift. Caused my mom to fall and fracture 2 bones which requires surgery. Ruined my entire vacation. MANAGEMENT and employees need to be overhauled to ensure this doesn't happen to anyone else.This happened with only 12 people in the park. Cant imagine how dysfunctional and hazardous this place would be if it was busy. Save your money vacation and peace of mind.
Amir S — Google review
My mom and I stayed 4 days in Aug. Yes it's old, yes it needs renovations. Mom is disabled-the staff and guests were so helpful and friendly! The scenery is top notch. The rooms are silent at night. Not crowded, pool to myself most the time. Took the boat ride- so educational-make your kids leave the smartphone behind. Please get just one door that's push button for handicap.
Kelley H — Google review
We spent a portion of a day at the resort. Mini-golf, alpine slide, zip line, chair lift. . . there was something for everyone in the family. It was a weekday in August, and there were no lines, no waits. The views of the Mississippi River were great, and we had a very nice lunch too. We talked about staying there in the future.
Lynnie — Google review
I don't know much about the place, we just stopped by to check out the views and have a look at the facilities. Everything seemed nice, fairly modern. The dining area is great - large comfortable area with great views.
myRadiotron — Google review
We made a family get away with five adults and two children.We had a room with a view of the Mississippi River.Nice a quiet just what we needed.We enjoyed a soak in the hot tub and pool.We even took advantage of washing and drying our suits after our last swim.
Loretta C — Google review
Great little spot, for a weekend getaway. rates were reasonable! The 15 minute jaunt to downtown Galena was convenient.Could definitely use some updating inside. I’d be willing to pay 25% more for a room that was updated.
Harley H — Google review
Good place to take kids to learn. Ski school instructors seemed organized, patient and positive. Several runs with a good variety for all levels. Terrain park looked cool, we didn't try it as our kids were beginners.
Mark G — Google review
I’ve been coming here every February for many years. It’s a good facility, the skiing is definitely fun and the staff are exceptional. However, the rooms could use a little updating and for God’s sake clean the windows!! The view out of the back of the lodge is quite beautiful, but it’s obscured with the film and spots on EVERY window. Consider dusting once in awhile, too. Just saying.
Roger H — Google review
Gorgeous summer get away! Staff is super friendly, food is good and the slopes/grounds in the summer are breathtaking. Sunrises in the front are worth getting up for and a drink and dinner on their deck for a sunset over the Mississippi - wow - you will love it. Get a room with river view to enjoy all day. Really cool tented wedding venue too if you are looking for a unique experience.
Lisa G — Google review
This is a very dated resort. There were a lot of little things that could be improved to make it a much better experience. The front desk staff need to be more attentive when it's a busy time for check in or outs. For the price, they could easily provide pastries or bagels for breakfast and still have a sit-down breakfast menu in the restaurant. The towel bar in the bathroom was loose and falling out. Hallways smelled.The room was clean, but it would have been nice to have a regular small table and chairs instead of a plastic chair. The sink faucet turned the wrong wayThe pool was nice, but the sauna didn't work. Also, they may want to periodically check on guests. There were people vaping , with glass beer bottles and one guy didn't want to swim but opened the outside door and then everyone was cold.The cleaning staff was awesome as was the waitress in the restaurant.All in all it was good but needs improvement.
Luann — Google review
Amazing place to be and there maintenance is fantastic the guy that helped us name was Rick and was very professional and polite a BIG THANK YOU TO HIM!! If you have any problems he was on top of it!! Thank you for the memories and great services we will most definitely be back!!!
Charlie J — Google review
I’m gonna start with the two front desk lady’s were very nice. But with that being said the room was disgusting!!!! It was my bfs and I 1 year anniversary so we booked a jacuzzi suite. As soon as I walked into room it was a no go. Hair all over bed, hair and water in jacuzzi, and the couch was stained and looked so gross I wouldn’t even set my bags on it. Also mold in window area. We decided we didn’t even want to stay in hotel at all anymore because of how gross, the staff was very understanding and refunded us (still waiting for refund although.) skiing was very fun but for how extremely overpriced everything is you would expect the room to be extremely better.
Hannah A — Google review
My daughter had lots of fun skiing, but the lack of handicap accessibility in the hotel and main lodge was disappointing. The one available "handicap" bathroom is NOT handicap accessible without leaving your wheelchair in the main bathroom and somehow miraculously getting to the toilet.That being said, the staff were fabulous and kind. I was limited to the main floor restaurant, because every other area had stairs but no elevator access
Rachel L — Google review
It was only ever my second time skiing/boarding and it was a great experience. They charge 5 bucks to change from boarding to skiing and vice versa which is more than fair. The slopes were great but the weather was too warm this season so the snow got a little slushy. Looking forward to coming back next season.
Iosevio M — Google review
Excellent views and "mountain top" ski destinations. (Aka midwestern hills).Honestly, though, the town of Galena and this spot situated East of the Mississippi River has views to spare.MIGHT be a low-key "secret" destination, but let it be no secret that the West-facing slopes are proper runs in winter.
J C — Google review
Snow Hill and restaurant was absolutely amazing but walk into the lodge/hotel and things go downhill quickly! Extremely rude staff with attitudes no one smiled everyone was mean mugging the customers. I called to ask about the WI-FI and the front desk lady gave me an ear full. At 11am they’re calling me saying we need to be out of the room by 12 or they’re charging us. The cleaning ladies made so much noise cleaning all morning it literally sounded like a herd of elephants running up and down the halls and in the rooms. Save your money and stay up the road at a Best Western.
Bianca V — Google review
Visited on opening day, and I must say, the staff did an incredible job handling the number of people in the restaurant/tavern during the lunch rush.My wife and I stopped just for a quick bite and a couple of drinks, and were seated immediately and tended to well.
Mike H — Google review
Spent time here at a wedding so I don't know about the rooms. But the rest of the place is nice, great location on the Mississippi River.
Forest J — Google review
We didn't stay at the Chestnut Mountain Resort but we wanted to do something fun while we were at Galena and after doing some research online, we've decided to stop by for a while and ended up playing for hours!Weather was perfect for some miniature golf for $5 a person and we spent about a couple hours laughing and enjoying the nice day. Then we walked around the resort and took some pictures. At last we did the Alpine Slide for $15 a person and took the little ski lift back enjoying the view. It was a great experience and we all had a fantastic day!
Irene K — Google review
We have always LOVED Chestnut.This last weekend we went when it was a little bit warmer, usually they keep the snow very well maintained and groomed. We got there around 6pm and it was a little bit slushier than we were expected even with the warm temps. Given that it was rode on all day, we understood. However, as we kept going down the mountain it continued to get less enjoyable with each ride. We ended up being there for about an hour total. This morning I called and talked to Maria (hopefully that's spelled correct) and she was sooooooo kind and understanding. She explained to us that they don't do refunds and agreed to send us a gift card to use another day. Maria I hope you see this, you are the freaking best THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Chestnut continues to exceed my expectations every time we go.
Kennady M — Google review
4.4
(2346)
•
4.0
(402)
8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd, Galena, IL 61036, USA
(800) 397-1320
I'll never travel to Deadwood without this trip planner again
16
Blaum Bros. Distilling Co.
Mentioned on
+14 other lists
Distillery
Food & Drink
Blaum Bros. Distilling Co., established in 2013 by two whiskey-loving brothers, is a renowned distillery located just minutes from downtown Galena. The distillery offers informative tours where visitors can witness the wood-aging barrels and learn about the distillation process before indulging in tastings of their finest creations. Additionally, guests can relax in comfortable leather couches at the on-site bar and savor creative co*cktails made with spirits crafted at the distillery.
Great tour, Bar, and social area. Their Whisky, Gin, Vodka, and Rum are all excellent. Definitely a must stop if you’re coming to Galena!
Tim W — Google review
Fantastic place. We went about 2 hours before close. Not a lot of people in there but enough to have fun. We sat at the bar and were promptly greeted by Lexy. We perused the menu and I ordered a smoked old fashioned. My wife didn’t know what to have and Lexy suggested a co*cktail that she liked. Both drinks were amazing. It was definitely the best old fashioned I’ve ever had. I then wanted to try their gin, and Lexy suggested 50 shades of your mom. Lexy wins again. Smelled EXACTLY like a lemon shake-up. Tasted so good I limited myself to one because I think I could have tried to drink 30 of them. The .5 oz flights of spirits are great for sampling without committing to one you may not like (but they’re all great so that won’t happen) We had an awesome time chatting at the bar with Lexy and I absolutely would come back here again!
Patrick S — Google review
We enjoyed the tour of the distillery with Richard. He is knowledgeable and approachable. The bar keep were friendly and offered suggestions. The seating area was comfortable but the majority of the tables are too high for an individual using a wheelchair; everything else was accessible.
Dina P — Google review
Fun experience touring the distillery. They had a great tour guide, friendly bar tenders and delicious drinks. I'd recommend the stop to anyone nearby, it takes an hour or two for the tour and then time to enjoy a drink or two.
Jade G — Google review
This is my second time at Blaum Bros. The staff is always friendly and there is just a good vibe there. They added a lot of new games and decor. Wish I lived closer because this would be my go-to place!
Busted G — Google review
Stopped in here with a group of friends on my wife's birthday weekend. To say the least this place didn't disappoint. Delicious drinks served by both knowledgeable and attentive bartenders for an affordable price. Everyone we dealt with was friendly and quick to answer any question we may had. Our battender explained the drinks in question and offered advice in regards wo which ones we'd probably like based on our normal drinking habits. We all tried several different drinks and even came up with a few of our own. My absolute favorite though was one that was made with their very own Hellfyre Vodka and blood orange... We all had such a good time and we're already planning a return trip in the near future.
Bradley H — Google review
It's really nice, comfortable seating in an upscale vibe establishment. The drinks were a decent pour. Try it!
Katherine — Google review
Gary was a wonderful guide and we enjoyed the tour. We had a couple drinks and they were good. My husband enjoyed watching them smoke his old fashioned drink. The bartenders are knowledgeable and gave me good recommendations.
Katydid B — Google review
Blaum Bros. has amazing beverages. Each one I tried was very good. I was pleasantly surprised by the Hellfyre vodka- it wasn’t one I would have tried if I had been given it on the tour and I ended up loving it. Dennis the tour guide was great! He was informative and friendly. I appreciate that kids are welcome. Mark the cat was a hit on the tour. The signature drinks at the bar were delicious. The facility is clean and very nice.
Cadence G — Google review
So many delicious co*cktails to try and the bartenders are super friendly! Did the tour a couple years ago and it was very interesting/informative
Taylor L — Google review
We went to the location on Main Street in Galena. The place has a great atmosphere. We got You Too, Brutas drink and it was like an orange dreamscicle. We also got to see someone get a smoked Old Fashioned which was fun! Would be interested to go to the other location for a tour and tasting
Bailey F — Google review
The tour was very informative and fun. Super friendly staff.
Dhruv ( — Google review
Fantastic co*cktails and a tour to boot! The tour guide is incredibly knowledgeable about spirits, and history of spirits which added a nice touch to our experience. Samples at the end!We enjoyed a couple rounds from the co*cktail menu, and nothing disappointed. Highly recommend just about everything in the menu. One in our party stated it was the "best damn chocolate martini she's ever had ".Ya'll, the bourbon and the hellfire vodka are worth the visit!
Brandy J — Google review
We went to Galena for a quick weekend getaway and signed up for a tour at Blaum Bros. Fun atmosphere and very cool bar area! Gary, our tour guide was so friendly and made it so much fun! Very fascinating process to see! And we had some really good drinks! Highly recommend stopping here if ever in Galena!
Chana E — Google review
The tour was great. Gary did a wonderful job of explaining the history of the business and the process. He made it a fun tour.
Sonia S — Google review
Wow what a place! I had never been to a distillery before so I’m glad my husband suggested a tour of this gem while visiting Galena. All of the staff were extremely friendly and kind and helpful. Our tour guide was great and gave information and a very fun way. I had zero idea going in how any booze was distilled and when I left I understood the process of the things that they distilled!Needless to say the things that we tasted at the end are not my cup of tea so I cannot say whether or not their alcohol is great from a personal standpoint, but so many of the people were commenting how excellent things were and my husband told me his drinks were smooth and flavorful. I love the story of how the distillery came to be. I definitely think that you should check this place out if you are ever in the area!
Denai C — Google review
I had a couple bourbons and the aged rum. All of their stuff packs a punch, so while it's tasty, it's not for the faint of heart. I didn't have any of their co*cktails, but they looked great. Bottles of anything brown start at $50 each and go up from there, so it's a little pricey if you're looking to take something home. Parking is kind of a mess on a busy day, be warned. Definitely worth a stop - cool atmosphere with lots of barrels, couches, and Golden Tee golf.
Eric P — Google review
17
U.S. Grant Home State Historic Site
Mentioned on
+13 other lists
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
The Ulysses S. Grant Home is a historic mansion built in 1859 which was given to President Ulysses S. Grant. The home features original furnishings, including chairs and tables that were used by the General and his family, making the history of the home come alive. Visitors can take guided tours led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the history of the Grant family and their home.
It really helps to understand more about Grant as a person. One gets the impression that he was a homebody. The house is very well kept. The guide was well informed and answered all the questions.
A O — Google review
The tour is free but donations are recommended. Tours run about every 10 to 15 mins. You wait on the porch for a guide to get you. You can take all the photos you want. About 90 percent of the items in the home are original to the Grant family. Plenty of parking.When you are done here head downtown to see an amazing Main street that looks like a movie set from the old days and then head to the Grant/Galena museum. There is a charge as it is separate from the Grant home but very much worth visiting.
Ashley H — Google review
I had an absolutely awesome time here the other day while there was all the snow blowing in. The tour guide was beyond informative and had just the amount of dry historian humor I always look for and can appreciate. It was a pleasure being able to tour the Grant home, and I recommend it to anyone visiting Galena to stop by and look at everything in the house. I especially loved being able to see it all decked out for Christmas.
Hoosieronthemove — Google review
It's so rare that a historic home still has the original furnishings, but that's what you find in the Grant Home. Yes, the General sat in those chairs. Yes, the family gathered at that table. It makes history so real.Our very knowledgeable tour guide, Katherine, displayed a real passion for the home, the Grant family, and their history. I highly recommend this stop on your next visit to Galena.
Peggy G — Google review
If you're a history buff. This is a must see. There's a lot of great history here. All of the tour guides are great. You can tell that they're really passionate about the history of this home. It's just a really nice place to visit. Make sure to bring cash, because they have some cool things you can purchase.
Markus R — Google review
Great history this house is in the middle of a neighborhood that you would never expect that a US president lived there. Guide was very knowledgeable and learned a great deal. Need less than 30 minutes to see the entire thing. Great way to stretch your legs out on a ling trip. You don't need to buy a ticket but a $5 donation is suggested money goes towards the up keep.
Doug A — Google review
This was a place that I had seen mentioned for years but had never visited. I am glad that I waited as they have added air conditioning to the property! The entry cost is by donation and the suggested amount is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable about everything Grant! I learned so much more about our 18th president during this visit. It is truly amazing how people were able to operate without the amenities that we enjoy today and I truly respect the Grant's even more for foregoing slaves!
Brooke T — Google review
Excellent tour ! Only takes about 20-30 minutes and is really cool to peek into the past and learn the History of the 18th President and family. Its free but there is a suggested donation box… however they do not accept cards so if you want to donate or buy any souvenirs bring cash 💰
Melba L — Google review
Beautifully preserved and well maintained with an informative staff. Tours are at top and bottom of the hour (from my memory) so be sure to get in line at the front porch on time. :)
Andy C — Google review
Learned so much from this tour, which was partially guided and partially self-guided. Our tour guide was friendly and very knowledgable!The home was relatively small, but ornate, and featured over 90% original items. The grounds are lovely and also offer a great view of the historic downtown.The house is up on a hill so walking/going up a few flights of steps may be needed.
Elizabeth F — Google review
A cool (as in, both interesting and air conditioned!) visit on a hot summer day. The tour is informative but doesn't overload you with too much information. It's a well maintained and carefully preserved historical gem of the area. There are steep stairs, so be aware if you have mobility issues. Free entry but remember to donate!
Katy P — Google review
The pride and joy of Galena, Illinois! This location is definitely worth a visit. I’d recommend taking the tour of the home. The tour takes you around the inside of the entire house and you can see important items/rooms of the ex-president. The tour guides are incredible at their job and invite curiosity. The tour is free, but they do expect a donation. You can wait at the front door and up to 15 minutes for the tour to start. Afterwards, you can walk around the grounds and see other artifacts and buildings.
Ryan S — Google review
We visited Thursday afternoon. It was a beautiful day. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. He led us through the Grant home with stories and facts for each area. It was amazing! I highly recommend a visit!
Michele K — Google review
Our tour guide was awesome, very informative, was a nice step back in time. So glad Galena appreciates it's history and preserves it so well, and teaches the generations of now the glorious history of then. Thank you for having us and educating us on your rich history! All of Galena was a pleasant experience, Grant House was our favorite stop of all. Check it out and see for yourself! You won't regret it, just kind the back stairs of the Grant House, I feel for whoever had to frequent those stairs they're a dandy.
No O — Google review
Spur of the moment stop ended up being in my top three favorite things we did! Our tour guide Chuck was phenomenal, and answered my many questions, and made history feel fun and tangible.
Grace N — Google review
Great stop in historical Galena. The tour is free, but they have a donation box for facility upkeep. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and work on a volunteer basis. The tour takes 30 minutes and it is well worth the stop!
Kelly — Google review
A very interesting historical stop. The Grant Home grounds have several buildings to see, including a general store that you can peek inside. The Grant Home has a beautiful view. Our tour guide was very kind and knowledgeable and patient with questions from children. He shared so much information. The house is fascinating. The grounds are clean and in good repair.
Cadence G — Google review
To be honest, I didn't know much about President Grant, but this home was so nice and the tour guide was amazing. I would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone coming to the town.
Douglas C — Google review
Excellent stop while in Galena. The history told by the tour guides is great and only takes about 15 minutes. Our kids loved it too seeing all the antique furniture and way houses were furnished back then. Grant was a fascinating person and anyone who likes history should make this a stop. Runs completely on donations.
James O — Google review
18
Snake Alley
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Landmark brick-&-limestone street constructed in 1894, with 5 half-curves & 2 quarter-curves.
So much history to be had here in Burlington. Goes over the heads of many that pass through, but this is a neat spot to come through
Ryan S — Google review
Fun view of very crooked Street. Reminded us of Lombard Street in SF.
Stephen C — Google review
The street was nice. Four stars because it was chained off and closed to vehicle traffic.The area is very hilly. Be aware some near-by intersections have limited visibility. Be safe.
John P — Google review
Ok, so this "street" is way creepy, but awesome! I'm going to have to read up on why they built the street this way!
Penny P — Google review
Crookedest street ever! Chained off in the winter but driveable in the summer. Top 5 spot in this town
clickhere4anthrax — Google review
I remember Snake alley as a teenager as I and my cousin all went on Ragbri so many summers ago,It certainly brought back fond memories. We rode our bikes down it.It's still makes for good conversation as it's so unique.
Melissa L — Google review
It would have been better if you could go down the road. I was disappointed to find it closed off.
Douglas R — Google review
Definitely not the easiest climb. Lots of the stairs are in need of repair. Use extra caution. The kids e joyed driving down the alley, we did it three times!
Marylou L — Google review
Review Date: August 14th, 2017‘Snake? Snake!? SNAAAAKE!’The original purpose of this twisty and windy path is detailed on the wiki page linked below. I will give you the Spark Notes version; it was created as a shortcut for horses to traverse down the hill to Main Street.This place has been on my list for awhile now and on a beautiful August day, I finally made the trek up to see it. It was not quite what I expected, which is a good thing. The alley itself is rather short, but if you make the walk down and up it, you’ll feel it in your legs.The alley is lined with houses on one side, which has to make for a very interesting living arrangement. I figured the road was closed for vehicle traffic, but was I wrong! You can apparently drive down the path… which I did. Driving down it was almost like being on a roller coaster, in your own car. The windy paths and sharp turns were super fun and gets your adrenaline going. At the bottom, there is a chance to bottom out as you pull out into normal traffic, so be careful if you do take the fun plunge.Luckily, if you are not a fan of snakes or the video game Metal Gear Solid, you can happily visit Snake Alley. If you are a fan of odd things and fun car rides, Snake Alley is the place for you.
Joshua D — Google review
I live 2 blocks up from Snake Alley and am avidly including it in my photography
Erin E — Google review
We drove this in our expedition and it was a bit tight but such a good experience.
Kathy M — Google review
This should be 10 out of 5 stars. Super cool. Most likely the only place like this in the world. Yes, I have driven down Lombard St. and I would give that a five also, but to me, this beats it by quit a bit.PS The person who gave it one star because it is too bendy, is an idiot.
Tom B — Google review
Cool to see short experience only takes a minute or two take you longer to drive there
David V — Google review
4.7
(34)
•
4.5
(237)
Burlington, IA 52601, USA
19
Villa Kathrine
Museum
Visitor Centers
The town's visitor information center, in a historic North African–style villa built in 1900.
Beautiful old mansion overlooking the Mississippi River on a high bluff. The owner traveled throughout the Middle East and built a Moorish mansion in Quincy, Illinois. Very cool place to visit.
Frank C — Google review
Beautiful moorish home a spectacular view of the Mississippi River.
Kathy S — Google review
I enjoyed the location and the story. Disappointed that there was so little history left due to renovations and changing hands over the years. Stunning view over the Mississippi though and everybody there was super nice.
Ben T — Google review
Lovely place. I hadn't been back in many years. Great place to take out of tow guests.
Linda G — Google review
Monday, August 7th, found closed at 1pm.Public restrooms in parking area were the only thing open.First time in Quincy. Very disappointed.
Dale H — Google review
Beautiful piece of history. $3 to take a small tour. Very helpful staff, Ray was very pleasant. Little gift shop and free pamphlets for the immediate and surrounding areas.
Jeff L — Google review
We enjoyed a self guided tour of this unique and stunning home during our Fall Break trip. Some incredible craftsmanship and views of the Mississippi River
Jarrod R — Google review
What a beautiful, historic building right on the river in Quincy. The lovely guide inside the museum was also a delight and an inspiration! Glad that I stopped by.
Autumn E — Google review
Love this place! I been bringing my daughter since she was four and been coming now every chance we can!
Anthony G — Google review
Was closed for the season but is a unique look for the area and is on a high bluff looking over the Mississippi river. Restrooms on site but are closed for the winter months
Mark T — Google review
It's a wonderful piece of history with a interesting architecture. There seems to be a bit of mystery as to why the original owner George Metz had it constructed. Definitely worth a tour.
Jared ( — Google review
4.3
(158)
•
4.0
(71)
532 Gardner Expy, Quincy, IL 62301, USA
(217) 224-3688
20
HOTEL NAUVOO HISTORIC INN & RESTAURANT
Hotel
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
Restaurant
Cozy Victorian quarters in an 1841 hotel offering free Wi-Fi & a seasonal traditional restaurant.
We went to eat not stay! The buffet was great! Everything was hot! Cooked to perfection! Plenty to choose from! We left stiffed! The service was wonderful! Clean rooms in dinning area!
Lisa K — Google review
I liked it. The food was good but seamed a bit overpriced as the 2 of us were close to $65 for a buffet dinner. However there are not really any other places to eat that serve the nicer food. 4 stars as I thought it was just a bit overpriced. $55 would have been closer to the mark.and
Rob L — Google review
Place was super nice. We just ate at restaurant. It was good everything seemed home made n good. Can't say there was anything bad with plenty of choices to choose fromTheir desserts are amazing
Harvamatic 8 — Google review
Let me just say, when they say all you can eat, I take that as a challenge.I ate all that I could. 2 plates of salad. 1 plate of meat. I disappointed my family, but I did what I could. A strong soldier stays firm. I tried going to the bathroom to make more room; however, there was a kid sitting on the toilet taking his sweet time. My family and I left full and happy. Zack signing off.
Zack A — Google review
This was our first visit. We had a reservation for 4 at 4:30. We were seated promptly. It wasn't extremely busy at that time. No sooner, were people coming in, there were people leaving. The flow of guests was pretty steady. The food was extremely fresh and delicious. It was like going to your grandparents house for Thanksgiving, Sunday after Church or a potluck. All you can eat! $20/per buffet. Salad Bar, Hot Food Bar, several desserts. The Best Catfish, Shrimp, Ham, & Roast Beef around. They even had Goose. The decor was very inviting, cozy and shabby chic vintage. The lines moved fairly quickly, and not once did any food container go empty. Our waitress was amazing with a great attitude. We got out, right before the busy rush started happening. It was tricky, to leave because so many were coming in, and everyone used one door to get in and out. Restrooms well stocked. Entire place was clean inside and out. If you have high anxiety, reserve your spot earlier. It does get alittle chaotic around the busiest hours of dinner rush.
Maureen V — Google review
Buffet was great, as normal. Nice to see a place not increase their prices. Honestly this place use to seem expensive but its actually a value when you think about all you get for the money.
Wade P — Google review
Buffet dinner selection was limited. Nothing special and quite crowded. Given it's one of the few places in town for a sit down meal it was better than a 20 minute drive across the river for something else.Serving staff were very friendly.
Rob G — Google review
Stepping back into another century. Room was small but clean & decorated well. Staff was friendly & accommodating. Buffet was huge selection & delicious.
Cathy B — Google review
The food was what you would expect from a buffet style restaurant, the service is excellent. They have a reservation option that makes it really handy to skip ahead of the line; I would HIGHLY recommend that you do this. Price wise it was priced well for the quality of food and the service. I would recommend if you are in the area
Travis R — Google review
You cannot beat the buffet at this cozy and historic inn. They have everything you could want- salads, vegetables, fish, chicken, and more than one option for cut meat. If you leave here hungry you really have nobody to blame but yourself.
Sarah H — Google review
My father, boyfriend and I made reservations here. We waited approximately 15 minutes before we were seated (no biggie). Our waitress was amazing and very friendly. It was quite busy and the dining room was packed with tables. Probably a few too many. Felt like sardines. The food was decent, kinda bland. My boyfriend and I had finished eating. My father was enjoying a muffin for dessert. He was taking a little longer due to problems with his teeth. There was an older couple seated next to us at a table for four who had been there before we were seated. As my dad was finishing up the owner came over to our table and rudely said ”you need to leave, I have another reservation". Nothing else and walked away. The people seated around us looked shocked that she did that. After paying close to $100 with gratuity included we headed out. The owner was at the front belittling one of the young waitresses. My boyfriend made a complaint at the front desk to the owner and told her she needed to show her employees some respect and not to shame them in front of customers. Also adding that what she did to us was rude. All she responded with was that we were taking too long. Never will I ever set foot in this establishment. The waitstaff was wonderful and kind. The owner on the other hand.....not so much.
Susan B — Google review
Food is great but pricey. Inside is not designed to be a restaraunt, so it can get really crowded and the line gets awkward as more people get in it. Seating is also a bit odd and cramped. Service is great, our drinks were refilled promptly and the waiting staff was friendly.
Braden — Google review
Service is impeccable; food selection is amazing. The surroundings definitely make it an experience. Even our 14-year-old son was impressed with the ombiance!
Judy W — Google review
First time there, we had buffet, it was delicious. Service was good, however very slow. We waited 20 minutes to get our check. Then, there was an out of service soap dispenser in the ladies room.... Makes you wonder.. They could have put something in there to wash hands with. Do employees use the same restroom? I will recommend to family and friends however will caution them about sanitation of employees.We did have a lovely evening. Will be back. Could have been a five rating.
Danita E — Google review
Food was great, service was greatWe drove over 1500 miles and was really excited to go here for dinner. when we got there on a Monday and were infirmed they were only open on Fridays and Saturdays. Luckily we weren't leaving until Saturday. We ate on Friday and it was worth the wait. The waitress was very friendly and helpful
Brent R — Google review
This place is BUSY! Thankfully, we made a reservation several days in advance. You can order from a menu or enjoy the plentiful buffet. The buffet food is VERY fresh and full of tasty choices. There is also a nice selection of adult beverages. AWESOME!!!
MMW — Google review
Great food at a good price. The dining room / area was cramped, but what do you expect from a concerted house. It's definitely worth the visit.
Jason W — Google review
It was amazing! We got there just before our reservation at 6. They took us right in and seated us. It seemed like a great time to go. Not busy or crowded... Food was excellent. Thanks babe!!
Lynn W — Google review
Food was so so. I'm from Alabama so it's hard to please me when it comes to grandmas cooking. No one does it like she did. All in all I gave the place four stars. The atmosphere was amazing but what you pay for just a salad is almost $20... for a salad!
Don N — Google review
I liked every single item I tried from the buffet. This place has old fashion charm. The waitress was very kind. The food was probably the best I have eaten.
Jewel S — Google review
Very disappointing as it states everything is homemade - instant potatoes, frozen vegetables that were not crisp and fresh but soggy, food was not all homemade - desserts were mediocre and they could’ve offered something more enticing than box puddings and sheet cakes. Some of the meats were good, the salad bar was ice berg lettuce not what I would call world famous and had mediocre toppings. Overall the food was very disappointing, not what I remembered from years ago. Wasted money. Very expensive for the quality of food.
Marilisa W — Google review
What can I say about the Hotel Nauvoo... nothing bad and everything amazing!! I am a local who has eaten at the hotel Nauvoo for at least 25 years, and I have never left dissatisfied, hungry, or disappointed in their wonderful buffet and salad bar! The salad bar is always fresh and wonderful with great salad and the trimmings to go with that. The salad bar also has great non-leafy salads (the seafood salad is amazing) and crackers and a variety of soft cheeses! The hot buffet is over flowing with amazing side dishes and main dishes!! I highly recommend the fried chicken, whole breaded catfish, and the roast beef! Finally... let's talk about the AMAZING cinnamon rolls. Soft, gooey, and loaded with cinnamon and frosting (either vanilla or maple) these rolls are a great way to end a wonderful meal! 5 star meals and 5 star service for all the years I have been there. Highly highly recommend. Also, I recommend going early or making reservations unless you don't mind waiting for a table. Waiting is not bad, kick back outside on the beautiful porch or lawn or sit and enjoy a before meal beverage.
Tim C — Google review
Food was plentiful. Price wasn't terrible for a buffet. Decent selection, particularly of meats. Quality was ok, but nothing special.
Christopher H — Google review
I actually visited this place years ago with my sister. I was unable to eat here this trip as they were only open for dinner on the weekend, but when I came here before with my sister, it was so delicious and fun! Adorable little seating area and then the giant buffet inside was delicious! Loved it!
Shayla R — Google review
People really talk this place up, so maybe I expected more. The food was good, wait staff lacking, lots of staff walking around, but not many visits to the table to see if we needed drinks or anything else, since I had not been there before, I expected to be told more about how things worked or where thing were. I just had to follow People till I found The buffett.
Suz O — Google review
I'll never travel to Deadwood without this trip planner again
21
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
This 187-acre historic site features President Hoover's birthplace, his gravesite & more.
Historic site for the USA. The birthplace and first years of President Hoover's life. Everything around is neat and tidy thanks to the work of the National Park Service rangers. So if you are on the I-80, I recommend you get off the highway and take your time to visit this place. It's worth it.
Rich K — Google review
What a beautiful place to see! We enjoyed walking the grounds and taking in part of our presidential history. The little house where Herbert Hoover was born, was absolutely darling! Be sure to check out all the buildings and read about them along the way! Also be sure to visit the visitors center and get some nice souvenirs from the gift shop area! I recommend this place for kids and adults both!
Heather H — Google review
This is a really neat historic place. Crazy how a poor orphaned boy in the middle of nowhere Iowa could become president. The presidential library was really neat as well. It’s definitely a step into the past. You need to reserve tickets online to get in, but when I was there you could also just walk in and buy them. If you go in February expect no higher than 14F temps and a cool breeze.
Henry M — Google review
I didn't know much about, Mr. Hoover...but now I do! Very cool place to visit! You get to see the small town he lived in, including his home, old school house, & an active blacksmith shop! The staff was amazing! Chelsea, was very informative on what it takes, being a blacksmith! This is a must visit, for any fan of American history! Very cool! The video in the welcome center was very informative! Here's some of my pics!
Richey- P — Google review
Middle of Iowa National Park unit gem! We enjoyed learning about our 31st president. Our tour guide Devin was so nice. The blacksmith (pictured) was very knowledgeable and friendly. Visitors center has a short 12 min film on request.
Tammy B — Google review
This was a lovely spot to visit with restored/preserved buildings. There were signs explaining everything. I didn’t go into the buildings because I had a dog with me, but I did glance in. We also took a nice walk on the grass trail. I was there on a Friday morning and it was kind of cold which meant that there wasn’t very many people there.
Tracey R — Google review
Interesting information about the life and times of this extremely humble man. Expect to spend about 2 hours. Don't miss the 20 minute informative movie.
Naomi H — Google review
There are not many Presidential Library museums, and this one is a little off the beaten path compared to most. It is almost a campus with an eclectic grouping of buildings, statues, a visitor center, and the museum all somewhat spread out.Everyone on the property was courteous and helpful. There may have been 10 visitors total the day we visited, so there were no lines and we were able to tour through everything at our own pace.We started in the Visitor Center with a shirt film, walked the campus for a few minutes and then toured the museum. It is pretty much what you would expect in small town Iowa. Kudos to President Hoover and all of what he overcame to rise to the presidency.
Chris R — Google review
Location worked out as it's right off the interstate compared to off the beaten path but that's just luck and geography.It's a beautiful area with short hikes. Reminded us of Lincoln Home NHS.Visitor Center was clean and free parking. Small exhibit and short film with a small store.Got our Passport Stamp and kids completed the Junior Ranger Program.
Jonathan S — Google review
This was a very well done museum!. So pleasantly surprised. I loved walking the paths to take the tour of the different places in Hoover’s life. Our favorite was meeting park ranger /blacksmith Chelsea. She was so passionate about her work and life passion.It wasn’t just Hoover that left you inspired. She definitely did too.The prairie is beautiful and so is the whole area. My son and I enjoyed doing the Junior park ranger booklet that had us truly learning.Well done:)
Jenny T — Google review
Informative film in visitor center. Staff very helpful. Campus not crowded so very nice. Blacksmith shop had demonstrations. Interesting to see his birth home, school that he attended, and Quaker meeting house where his mother provided inspirational talks. Very pleased with visit. Stamps for national park passport were available in visitor center. You park in parking lot outside visitor center and it is a very short walk to all buildings.
Kathy — Google review
Very nice grounds. I was surprised to see the president and first lady were actually laid to rest here and the memorial is very nice. Nice walking trails with plenty of big and old trees. There is something like an old neighborhood of late 1800 to early 1900 homes nice to walk through. The museum itself is great. Lots of history and story of the presidents life. The first lady was absolutely fantastic and such an interesting woman and strong, strong character. What do I remember now from the this president? I would say he was a great humanitarian who held office during tough and unforgiving times.
Herbert H — Google review
Enjoyed the video on Herbert Hoover in the Visitors Center. It was fun to walk and go through the area. We didn't have time to go through the Library and Museum, but we will come back at another time to visit.
Barb D — Google review
22
Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
Mentioned on
1 list
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Library
Historic Sites
History Museums
Dedicated in 1962, this library & museum features exhibits related to President Herbert Hoover.
Visited in August 2021. Interesting to see the old village and the quality put into the village. Many buildings have been moved from their original locations to the current location at the Museum grounds.The museum does a good job of portraying the life of Hebert Hoover and making the division between his personal life and his time as president.
Jacob W — Google review
I came through August 19th 2020, very possibly the worst time to visit in recent history. It was COVID so most everything was shut down. Then they just had the terrible derecho so a great number of trees has been taken down by the winds. Some very majestic trees toppled, what a mess.The staff was friendly. I visited the period make shift town and some of the out buildings. was able to enter the replica boyhood home. I thought the final resting place of President and Mrs. Hoover was very elegant and stately, it was beautiful. The grounds were well kept and manicured around the final resting place. So terrible some of the great trees were now gone however.There is a shelter build out back by the boy scouts. There is a good private restroom there.I was able to take a longer walk through the prairie like young Hoover must have. A very pretty place which helped keep President Hoover Grounded. My great great relative was his Secretary of War.
Windy S — Google review
The museum is pretty small for $10. You can watch a 23 min video that basically tells you what is on all of the plaques in the museum. They try to incorporate items from the time period and less actual presidential items owned by Hoover. They could use some cleaning up as there is a dead bug on one of the books that clearly should not be there. They currently have a depressing Russian famine exhibit as well. They buildings from Hoover's childhood are free to go into. You can walk to the gravesite or drive pretty close and park, depending on the number of visitors. They say "up a hill" but it's not so bad. The staff is very friendly and likes to talk, but she didn't seem to up to date with the actual exhibits when questioned.
August F — Google review
Very well done, smaller presidential museum. There is a small film to watch, then a mix of visual displays with very good signage. The museum tells a balanced, in depth story of his life from birth in a tiny home thru his death in the early 60’s. Hoover’s rise from being orphaned at an early age, being raised by his relatives to college graduation and economic success in mining, then government service and his one term Presidency. Hoover seemed to be a very talented individual, a victim of his times, and perhaps too humble for a top politician. Gained an appreciation for his knowledge and accomplishments. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Good on site parking, no restaurant on site.
Dennis P — Google review
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Museum, located in West Branch, Iowa, showcases the life and presidency of Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States. It houses Hoover's documents, artifacts, and exhibits detailing his humanitarian work and the challenges of his presidency during the Great Depression. The library also serves as a resource for researchers interested in this period of American history.
Tom P — Google review
This was a intriguing and good place to go very friendly and helpful staff they have a lot to see nicely built and designed
Ted K — Google review
Interesting museum in an utterly charming town. The gravesite is absolutely beautiful
David M — Google review
The grounds and artifacts are beautifully maintained. The documentary was a good length and very interesting. The staff was very friendly. This museum is a gem of the Midwest.
Kelly B — Google review
I never knew much about President Hoover, but I can't say that any more! Nice museum - an interesting 22-minute introductory film, lots of artifacts, and placards. I especially enjoyed reading portions of letters written by Herbert Hoover - pre & post presidency. I wish there were more of those. There are other shorter videos explaining other parts of his life along the way. Especially moving are the interviews of people who were young children remembering being fed & helped by Hoover after WWII. The museum certainly informed & influenced my knowledge of history; I really like what I now know about the man!
Cindy C — Google review
Beautiful place to see the grounds and burial place of one of our presidents! Unfortunately we didn’t tour the museum because it was just a little too much per ticket. We did however visit the gift shop located inside! Lots of neat little things to choose from for your souvenir purchases!
Heather H — Google review
Herbert Hoover might not have had the most exhilarating presidency, but the library is a gift. It resembles the love and humanitarianism with which Hoover served the world. I'd recommend watching the video presentation off the bat. I made the mistake of exploring a portion of the museum first, missing crucial facts about Hoover's character that helped fill in the gaps. The aisles are wide and ADA-friendly, allowing for a comfortable environment to read without distribution. There are a ton of artifacts and short videos sprinkled throughout the entire exhibit!
Alexander V — Google review
A wonderful story of how a great leader came from humble beginnings and created such a great legacy that will live on for generations.
Jerry S — Google review
I haven't visited a Presidential Library yet that has disappointed, and this one is no exception. A lot to learn, especially given the way President Hoover has been treated by some historians and media folks. You'll leave with a whole new perspective on this great man, and you'll understand why the All In The Family theme song says "Mister we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again." Kudos to the staff, friendly and very knowledgeable. An all-around terrific experience.
kevincecotti — Google review
Was very cute and lots of good information. Took a class there and they were very accommodating for us. They even had a little activity for the class. Will go again.
Aly — Google review
History matters. Beautiful museum maintained by the National Park Service. Don’t let the feds scare you - this is a beautiful tribute to a President who despite his flaws represents what a boy from Iowa can achieve.
Bryce P — Google review
4.6
(159)
•
4.5
(480)
210 Parkside Dr, West Branch, IA 52358, USA
(319) 643-5301
23
Pikes Peak State Park
Mentioned on
1 list
State park
Nature & Parks
Park
Pikes Peak State Park in Iowa boasts stunning natural landmarks and offers hiking and biking trails, as well as full-service campgrounds. The park is considered one of the best in the state due to its unparalleled views of the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy walking to Bridal Veil Falls through bluffs and valleys on well-maintained trails that are moderately challenging. Campers can also take advantage of clean and quiet campgrounds.
Gorgeous views overlooking Mississippi River. The Bridal Veil trail is so well maintained, walking to the Bridal veil falls and back to the parking lot through hickory trail was such a breeze. Just can't image how much more beautiful the views will be during summer and fall, so we'll be definitely back again for sure.
Keertu A — Google review
Really special state park. We have visited here twice. Seeing the Hummingbirds here is a special treat along with all the spectacular river views we get to see. The view overlook is very well maintained and a great location. There are trails for hiking and lots of trees. Parking space is very nice too. So many friendly people come here with their families. Also safe and great for camping. We love this place.
See E — Google review
The park offers stunning viewpoints of the upper Mississippi river! Don't miss hummingbird feeders at the park entrance. There's also a small waterfall on the wooded trail. All of this for free! One cannot get a better deal!
Omkar M — Google review
The overlook is so easy to get to & huge! Easy to take in the views, get some pictures even with plenty of other folks around. There's picnic areas & restrooms nearby as well. Some cute doggos around; signs posted that they need to be leashed.Nice trail to Bridal Veil Falls, tons of steps... that feel so much steeper going back up in the heat & humidity (haha).
Brenda B — Google review
Pretty. Very walkable. Clear trails, well marked. Some pretty views. Nice little stop. Falls weren't much at this time of year, which is to be expected. Other hikers were friendly.
Cas M — Google review
Great park, probably one of the best state parks in Iowa. The views of the Mississippi River are great. The trails are good. We walked to the Bridal Veil Falls and it was a fun walk through some bluffs and valleys. Only moderately challenging for old people like us. We also camped overnight and it was a good experience. The campgrounds were clean and quiet.
Sam F — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. Good trails, some are paved so they're very elderly friendly. You can be in and out in ten minutes to take in the best parts or spend the entire day, great place.
Wesley W — Google review
This state park is hidden gem that everyone should check out. Pikes Peak State Park was absolutely beautiful and scenic, and I had an great time hiking and exploring the park, especially the water falls. The park does not require a vehicle pass. Free is always great. The scenic lookout that's just a few hundred feet from the parking lot gives amazing views over the river and hillside below. From there, it's less than half a mile to Bridal Veil Falls, which is totally worth the short and not too difficult hike. I went in the winter, and it was beautiful, but I imagine is even better in the spring. Its only another short hike from the falls to the top of Pikes Peak. They have restrooms and seasonal concessions right near the parking lot.
B A — Google review
Absolutely favorite stop for this late fall trip to catch a few more fall colors before winter. The overlooks and part of trial is paved/accessible as well. Great views, loved the colors and saw hawks, eagle and other birds. Must-see!
Michelle M — Google review
Wow! What a beautiful view of the upper Mississippi River! This park is easily accessible and feature extensive improved walking/light hiking paths along the ridge and through the woods. It offer many panoramic views of the river. The campgrounds look very nice as well.
Scott H — Google review
Nice hiking paths. The stairs are easy on the knees. Incredible views of the Wisconsin river flowing into the Mississippi.
M J — Google review
This is one of my regular stops when I need a beautiful view and an easy hike. The viewpoint is very easily accessible, and the walk to Bridalveil falls is a nice boardwalk with lots of shallow stairs.Note that in winter or other times the bathrooms may be closed.
Crystal D — Google review
Nice park with great overlooks and river views. Nice place to visit if in the region to enjoy some outdoor recreation.
FFKDTP1 — Google review
Wonderful experience. Definitely had my heart racing on the way up! But on the way day was a dream view! I’m happy the family and I could overcome our fear of heights.
Lee R — Google review
Nice park and based on the number of dogs (a lot) it's dog friendly. I enjoyed Effigy Mounds more but probably personal preference. Was worth stopping since we were driving past anyhow.
Carl U — Google review
It was s fun hike with beautiful trails and lots to see and explore with the kids! Had a great time!
Jennifer S — Google review
Went in 2022 and was kind of a mess due to construction. Came back to a beautiful new park in July 2023 (mostly done)! Awesome views back to Wisconsin. Great hiking trails, especially the south loops and carve out sections. Don't miss the ski trail not on the map - a mowed grass trail with blackberries, raspberries, and orange raspberries! Sooo good in July. 😋
Bikes W — Google review
Great park for camping that sits right on the Mississippi River.The bathrooms are really nice. They are newly redone with showers, sinks that have running water and toilets that flush. The shower and sink water gets nice and warm. The entire bathroom is accessible.The sites had electric hookup, a picnic table and a fire pit. The pads were gravel and not all were level.Right near the campsite is two overlooks of the Mississippi River and multiple trailheads.
Kristin K — Google review
Amazing view of the Mississippi and both Iowa and Wisconsin. Highly recommend you stop by even if it's just for a few minutes!
disappointment — Google review
4.8
(2312)
•
4.5
(356)
32264 Pikes Peak Rd, McGregor, IA 52157, USA
(563) 873-2341
24
The Iowa Children's Museum
Mentioned on
2 lists
Children's museum
Museums
Children's amusem*nt center
This colorful museum is aimed at teaching kids about the world around them through fun & play.
My kiddos absolutely loved this place. Beautiful place with fun and learning activities for the kids. We love coming here for a little adventure. The staffs here are friendly and hardworking. They are always disinfecting everything and that's a plus. We had a blast and can't wait to visit again.
Thelma Z — Google review
Wonderful place for the whole family 💝💝💝All The kids had a blast here ages 2, 8, 10, & 11 🤩🤩🤩What a great way to spend time with your kids 🥰 Mom & Dad even have fun 😃There is sooo much to do here!!!!!What an absolutely amazing place 😍😍😍
Brenna D — Google review
A fun learning environment for kids. Staff are hard at work making sure things run smoothly, but you find things here and there that do not work (like trace board in the painting room). The aviation section, supermarket, pizzeria, and farm are among the most attractive rooms.
Sadjad Z — Google review
I used to come here as a kid 20 years ago and now I get to bring my kids here! It’s so much fun and for the price you can’t beat it. We spent 3 hours in here easily. So much to do it’s great for all ages! Toy shop attached is nice as well.
Trent — Google review
This is a great place to take your kids! The weekend that we went was incredibly popular and there were SO many kids! We ended up having to wait about 30 minutes to get in which was fine. My step daughter and nephew had a blast either way!
Katie J — Google review
Very cool experience! My son ran around so excited and played with so many things. They have tons if things to do. I also had fun going into tiny houses and stuff pretending to be a giant. Lots if learning things. This place is very creative. They do their best to keep it clean as well.
Kyle K — Google review
Love this place! We have the annual pass and it pays itself off with just a few visits. The kid loves it here with so many different activities to do. You can spend hours and still not see or do everything. Keep in mind, there are two floors with activities. Upstairs there is a room specifically for kids under 5, as well as a designated room for trains on the far end of the blue room. But pretty much everything is age appropriate.
Brandon B — Google review
So much stuff to do and see! Two floors of entertainment. There’s stuff for all ages. Lots of cool stuff on the walls to look at too. Everything is well bolted down and baby proofed. My wild 1 year old had tons of fun. We loved the quiet room to take a little break! The whole place is just really thoughtfully designed. Staff was constantly cleaning and wiping down toys and surfaces, and they even have baskets by the entrances to each area for toys that got chewed on and need cleaned! We’ll be back often for years to come.
Libby — Google review
A great place to spend the day with your kids. We visited on a weekday afternoon and it was fairly empty, which was nice. Workers can be seen frequently cleaning play areas and walls are equipped with lots of hand sanitizers. Good for children of all ages. Different areas include a pizza shop, grocery store, farmer’s market, open play area with stage and costumes, a bank, post office, ambulance and hospital, arts and crafts room, aerial room, foam building blocks, legos, play room with slides, and more.
Ashley G — Google review
My kids (2 and 4) love the children’s museum. There are tons of activities geared towards their ages (and older).Many different activity rooms - farm, trains, grocery store, hospital, rocket ship, airplanes, skate boards, etc. mostly non digital activities (which is great), but there are a couple interactive screens.If you are going to be a regular consider getting an annual pass. You can get in an hour earlier Wed-Sat and the pass pays for itself.Museum is located in the mall - check the carousel or ice skating rink out if you get there too early (like me).
John J — Google review
I have ages 12 to 2 and they absolutely love this place. They learn so much through play. There is so much more than what I shared in these pictures and each time we go, we spend time in different rooms. The only downfall is having a store that kids can run into right by the entrance/exit. My 3 year old has a hard time understanding why I can't purchase a $40 box of magformers each time we go. I love that there are some reasonable priced items but it's not helpful when I would rather get my children into the learning section of the museum. This is a big struggle for us. Still, what a great learning center for the kiddos. I recommend purchasing a membership.
Jennifer F — Google review
It doesn't look very big from the mall entrance so we didn't have high expectations but they are part of the children's museum network so we figured we'd check it out anyway. We were surprised how many activities they have! It's much bigger than it looks, with a wide range of detailed exhibit rooms for all ages. The air and space section is particularly impressive with multiple simplified flight sims for kids to try out.
Andy C — Google review
Our 4 year old loves this place. He enjoys all the stations where he can pretend to work at a bank, grocery store, pizza parlor, TSA, among others. They have a bunch of different rooms with themes and activities. My favorite is the vacuum tube system that sucks in scarves and moves them through the tubes.Try to find a time that is less busy as it can get pretty chaotic.
Ryan P — Google review
Took my 3 1/2 year old son for the first time. He loves it especially the skateboard room and the slide. We've been to multiple children's museums and this one is really fun. It's a little smaller than what we're used to but good exhibits.
Jessie M — Google review
4.7
(1059)
•
4.5
(141)
1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
(319) 625-6255
25
Effigy Mounds National Monument
Mentioned on
2 lists
Monument
Sights & Landmarks
Effigy Mounds National Monument is an archaeological site located in far northeast Iowa, boasting over 14 miles of trails for visitors to explore. This park is home to unique and well-preserved Native American burial mounds, some dating back over 2000 years. The purpose behind the creation of these mounds remains a mystery, but they offer an interesting glimpse into the culture of indigenous peoples.
Wonderful visitor center, and very friendly park ranger. The hike to the top is a little bit strenuous but fun. There are benches on the trail to rest and catch your breath. This is a sacred ground, so please be respectful and stay on the trails! The trail is filled with wood chips, so that should help during wet conditions. Beautiful lookout points and animal shaped mounds once you reach the top, and of-course you have earned yourself an easy hike down :-) Pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
Keertu A — Google review
I haven't been here since I was a kid. Neat to come back and explore it decades later as an adult, and nice that it's dog-friendly! It's a National Monument, so you can expect well-manicured trails for the most part, with the exception of Hanging Rock trail; be prepared to legit hike! Marching Bear trail was my favorite of all. Me and my dog were the only ones on it the entire time!! How?! It does start off with a decent incline that gets the blood pumping, but levels off to a lovely journey that opens up to mound after mound. Pretty awesome! The mounds aren't as sizable height-wise on Marching Bear as the others, but it's well worth it.
Joni B — Google review
Beautiful National Park Monument situated on the Mississippi Riverside. I completed the Twin Scenic Trail. There's no rush that we could find. The park visitor center also has a museum explaining the history and park rangers are informative.
Omkar M — Google review
The Effigy mounds in Iowa has the option of choosing among a few trails. The shortest one is the yellow river boardwalk, this trail is the gentlest trail . You won’t see any mounds on this hike, but the grade is very gentle and takes you through beautiful and diverse wetlands before crossing the yellow river.Round-trip distance is less than 1 mile 30 minutes to an hour
Sara K — Google review
This is great place for hiking. If you love hiking, this is a fun place to explore. Hiking is not my favorite and I wasn't fully prepared for the huge uphill trek at the beginning. I appreciated the benches to take a rest. I almost gave up and went back the other direction but my husband encouraged me to keep going. I so glad I did because I really started to have fun once we made it up to the top. The sights are beautiful and the mounds are very interesting to see.
Dawn B — Google review
Great national monument. Hikes take you up to the top for some great views. Visitor center is nice and everyone is friendly. Dog friendly hiking too!
Kyle T — Google review
Absolutely lovely park. Well maintained and plenty of reminders that this is a sacred space, and for looking only. Stunning views and ample benches and trail-side logs to sit and rest, and contemplate all that came before.P.S. Parking and admission is free 🤗
Josh M — Google review
First of the had both trails along the river and. Up in the mountains. The views where spectacular. The visitor center was closed due to Christmas, but they had a porter potty that was really clean. Really loved it here.
Tina A — Google review
Nice visitor center with helpful staff, first portion of this hike up to the main mounds is a nice incline hike. Once you're up there the views are nice of the woods, river and mounds. Kids enjoyed it. Allowed them to burn off some energy, the mounds weren't particularly exciting to them but they're all under 10. Good family stop.
Casey C — Google review
Excellent ranger great paths ready to walk but it's a steep switchback for half a mile or more. Be prepared and leave your dogs at home in the hot weather. I saw several seriously over heated dogs. The effigy mounds are along the top of the ridge. Excellent. Great bookshop if you want more information. Also excellent gift shop. Well run place.
Elise M — Google review
Beautiful views, very well maintained hiking trails. The initial climb has a bit of an incline after that it’s all flat and easy walk. Nice breeze up top as well as several benches. The visitor center has a free museum and knowledgeable park rangers that also lead tours!!!!
Tara C — Google review
We visited the Monument in late March, so maybe the views were not so picturesque as they could be in the fall, but the actual mounds you definitely can see better. This place really gives you some feelings and some thoughts. I loved their small and cozy museum. The area with "Marching Beras" is the most impressive, I guess, but to get there, you have to stop at small parking between the river and railroad about a mile before the visitor center. By the way, be aware of dog feases on the trail this time of the year. PEOPLE, WATCH YOUR PETS!!! Another idea I had being there -- they need to build a couple observing towers. That would give so much better look and understanding of the area! Walking to The Fire Point, the trail brings you to cross the chain of mounds that was a unified whole complex, and it makes you to feel some disrespect to the place. It would be way better to build some arch bridge to walk over the burials that could give people an opportunity to walk with respect and a much better look to oversee the complex.
Alexey B — Google review
A beautifully stunning, scenic space with a rich and vibrant history. I loved walking through the little museum and learning about how important and sacred this place was. And I was so happy we waited until fall to come up. Not only was the weather amazing, but the views were spectacular.
Brenda T — Google review
Beautiful park. Online said it didn't open until 9 am but that is the visitors center. The park is open dawn to dusk so we were able to get in at 8:30. Park ranger was going to work and asked if we had any questions before she went inside.We took the first trail to Fire Point Outlook. It in a steep incline to start and I was thankful for resting spots. Trail is mulch and easy to walk on and know where you are going. Trail was 1.7 miles round trip. The leaves were gorgeous and the view of the Mississippi was bright due to sunrise. There was only one other couple there and they were far ahead of us. When we left we ran into others on their way up so we had good timing.It was super windy in the trees but not where we stood. The leaves (and acorns) were falling. It was so pretty! We only did the one trail and left as we were on to other places and only happened to drive past this due to where we ended up getting our hotel for the night.
Jenny U — Google review
Nice park with some clean trails. Often see some trails that have trash scattered here and there but really didn't notice any at this park so they do a good job of keeping it clean. Park was open dawn/dusk but the office/building had specific hours so be sure to check before going. We went in late October to see colorful leaves and got there before the office was open. Was only a couple of other cars there but was lot when we left a little over an hour later. The trail is only challenging for the first part and the rest was easy. Can get some great views at 2 stops (Fire point and Twin Views) and still be under 2 miles round trip. I enjoyed it more than Pike’s Peak.
Carl U — Google review
A perfect hike for the fall! We chose the 2 mile loop and it was just what our legs needed after a long car ride. The trails do go up for 1/3 of a mile so be prepared for a workout! As we walked along the well kept trails, we could feel the sacredness of our surroundings. Very peaceful. The fall colors were an extra bonus. I highly recommend!
Jean B — Google review
Amazing hiking trails throughout. They were very well maintained and some good history lessons if you stop to read. Once you get to the top of the lookout the view is incredible. If you only have a couple hours then the fire lookout is a good one to do and if you follow the trail you'll see little bear and giant bear mounds which are pretty neat in itself. I can't wait to go back and explore more of the trails.
Jeff H — Google review
The trails were amazing, easy to navigate and covered in wood chips. The views...Wow! Also friendly, helpful and informative rangers. No charge, but donations are appreciated. I'm 58 yo, not in the best shape, but there were benches to stop and rest. The only hard part was at the start of the trail as you climb up. Worth the time! It has become my favorite spot.
Ellen H — Google review
The trails were well maintained, easy, and dog friendly. The mounds were very interesting, and I enjoyed learning about the indigenous culture regarding the mounds.
Jordyn F — Google review
4.7
(1045)
•
4.5
(210)
151 IA-76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146, USA
(563) 873-3491
I'll never travel to Deadwood without this trip planner again
26
Brucemore
Mentioned on
21 lists
Historical place museum
Sights & Landmarks
Non-profit organization
Historic Sites
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Brucemore is a historical estate built in 1836 encircled by gardens that offers tours, concerts, and cultural events. The property includes a gift shop and flower market. Visitors can experience the heritage of this mansion through various programs hosted at the venue. Brucemore's rich history is well-preserved and celebrated, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in exploring the past of Cedar Rapids' culture.
Amazing at Christmas time! Definitely a must see and worth the ticket price. Going when the basem*nt bar is open to tours is really neat to see as well! My teenage kids and I really enjoyed the entire tour.
Shirley A — Google review
Closed for repairs. But visitor center was open. Could also walk around the gardens. Beautiful.
Robin K — Google review
Brucemore is a lovely 19th. Century mansion. It contains original art and architectural details by Grant Wood. Especially charming is a small fresco on an upstairs sleeping porch. There is a great deal of beautiful woodwork in the main hall and reception rooms. Be sure to look up, to see the Classical-themed mural that borders the walls there. Most of the furnishings and domestic items are original to the house. The remainder are authentic period items. Keep an eye out, and you will discover a link to the Titanic tragedy. During this Christmas season, the home boasts 14 holiday trees, as well as many other seasonal decorations. In the growing season, the gardens are open to the public with no fee. The grounds are still recovering from the 2020 derrecho, so you will see many newly planted trees; but many large, mature trees survived. Brucemore is a great destination for adult lovers of history, art, and architecture. Because it is a "hands-off" museum, families with children may prefer to visit only the gardens. (12/2021)
Malinda A — Google review
Excellent time at the concert in the courtyard. The musicians were very talented and entertaining. It was well organized, tables all had great views, parking on the grounds was easy in and easy to get out quick. Very pleased.
Kevin B — Google review
A tour of Brucemore is always a pleasure and is especially so during the holiday season. Creative and beautifully executed holiday displays that encompass every room. Not only lovely trees and garlands, but the displays also include audio descriptions and music appropriate to each vignette. At other times of the year, interesting and beautiful gardens and outdoor events provide diverse entertainment. Large amounts of structural and landscape recovery have taken place following the damaging storm that occurred three years ago. This must have taken an army of dedicated and passionate supporters. Thankful for it.
Ann M — Google review
This was a great place I just wish we could have done the tour.
Allwood P — Google review
We were there for a TCR production caled Once! What a great night. So fun to sit out on the lawn with a full moon and enjoy a great production. Parking was a breeze. Getting out just as easy!
Tammy H — Google review
Brucemore is great and a wonderful way to see how the wealthy lived from 1880s until when the last owner passed in 1970s. Great Midwest history. Wonderful pieces of art and furnishings.
Ken B — Google review
Me and my dad chose to visit this place for my last day of staying in Cedar Rapids, the mansion and the grounds itself were very beautiful and scenic. We ordered the tickets for a non guided tour before we got there. The staff who scanned our tickets told us that it was fine to walk around the house and that everything checked out. The staff at the front was nice but looked at us a little weird and overall seemed off. My dad and I went to the 3rd floor first and chose to make our way to the bottom floor from there. As we had gotten up there a female staff worker had followed us up and said told us we has snuck away from the rest of them. We explained that we had the no tour guide tickets and she smiled sarcastically and preceded to follow us around while we toured. No matter what floor we were on she followed us and tried to guide us. We even followed all the rules, didn’t touch anything, only went in doors that were open, no flash photography, etc. It was tolerable until we made our way back down to the first floor while in the library, the staff kept giving us glances and seemed to be keeping such an eye on us as if we were trying to steal something. Then right as we left we overheard one of the staff say “they’re finally leaving.” Overall it was not an experience I would like to come back too unless the staff were to change.
Sydney S — Google review
After waiting for the house to open, we were turned away because we had not purchased tickets ahead of time. There was nothing posted outside of the house stating tickets were needed or that they needed to be purchased ahead, we were told we could wait another 30 minutes and come back for a self guided tour but weren't aloud to go at the time we were there ....we were the first people in line when they opened the house. We went ahead and left as we didn't have the time to wait the additional time and it saved our group $70.00. So I would highly recommend finding and purchasing the tickets ahead of time or don't waste your time by even going.
Amy R — Google review
We didn't get to go inside, but the gardens and grounds were lovely and there were plenty of photo opportunities. The pet cemetery was a highlight of our visit! I would also recommend reading the informational plaques and checking the QR codes for more content on their website. The staff was friendly and helpful.
Kara W — Google review
Such a beautiful place, the entire complex of buildings and grounds are so well maintained and offer a wonderful experience to visitors. I love how they are so active and offer great entertainment to this community. It is gorgeous in both winter and summer with all of the beautiful flowers 💐 in the garden.
Naser S — Google review
Very beautifully decorated for Christmas. Don't know if I've ever been before but I was glad I took the family.
Jeremy F — Google review
Brucemore, a park-like, 26-acre estate in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the site of a Queen Anne-style mansion, formal gardens, a children's garden, night garden, pond, orchard, and woodland. It is a great place to take photo, take a tour, or attend a community event! Check their website for events and visiting information.
Tara 5 — Google review
Beautiful mansion, excellent and informative tour! (Many stairs, so be prepared!) Lovely grounds to walk around. Also, another exhibit hall with many pictures, history and some artifacts. Movies(!) taken in the first half of the 1900's of life in the Hall family: playing with their pet lion, behind the scenes of Gone with the Wind, and other everyday occurrences!!! Such a great tour. I highly recommend.
Wendy G — Google review
Went on the nooks and crannies tour, so I was able to view the whole house and grounds. Such a fun view of everything and our tour guide was very helpful and knowledgeable.
Amber B — Google review
We had such a great time touring this beautiful mansion. We loved reading about the history of the family that lived in the house. We will be back another time, I'm sure. Highly recommend seeing this house if you enjoy history and grand homes.
Jessica J — Google review
4.7
(438)
•
4.5
(270)
2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, USA
(319) 362-7375
27
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Mentioned on
22 lists
Museum
Library
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is a cultural institution that showcases exhibits on the Czech and Slovak experience. It features a genealogy library, a Christmas market, and other attractions. Despite not being very large, it's definitely worth the admission fee regardless of whether or not you have any heritage ties to these cultures. If you're ever in Cedar Rapids, this place is worth stopping by along with other nearby attractions.
Incredible displays of information of the Czechoslovakian culture! Beautiful exhibits, rich history, and informative staff. Highly recommend to anyone - local or otherwise.
Nicole S — Google review
Pros: Some interesting history. Lots of traditional garments. Interactive displays. Nice place to visit for an hour or so. Friendly staff.Cons: Parking. Price. Only about 30% of the total size of the building is dedicated to museum exhibits, disappointed there wasn't more to see.
________ — Google review
Very nice museum. It had a bunch of pictures, films, music, really captured what it was like according to history books. Hands on exhibits, a house from the years, it's a great history lesson and it keeps children entertained with all the stuff to look at.
Michael G — Google review
Had an amazing time here. The volunteers, jacob and mugil, gave me a tour of the immigrant home which was very informative. Don’t miss it if you’re in Cedar Rapids!
Jamie E — Google review
We love stopping at museums and learning more about history on our travels. This one was a great one. We learned so much, they even have an original house that a tour guide led us to and told us more information than you would learn by just reading. A lovely stop!
Brittany — Google review
My wife and I had some time to burn between landing in Cedar Rapids and catching a shuttle to Dubuque, and we found this museum on the map and couldn't resist stopping in to learn some familial history.We only had about 20 minutes, so I asked the staff for the highlights. We were able to rush through the Faces of Freedom exhibit in the Jiruska gallery and the Sleger Family cabin. The exhibits were informing, entertaining, and plentiful. The staff was so kind and understanding of our situation, and very knowledgeable.While our time there was way too short for my liking, it's only prompted me to want to learn more. If I ever find myself back in Cedar Rapids I'd make a point to schedule a longer visit.
Becca T — Google review
This museum offers a wonderful background and very interesting glimpse into the lives, art, and culture of the Czech and Slovak people. The exhibits and gift shop are second to none and offer much even to those not of that ancestry.
Jan K — Google review
Wonderful exhibit of czech and slovak history. People are friendly and alot of the stuff there is fascinating. Absolutely worth a visit.
E F — Google review
My husband and I stumbled in here, the displays were so informative and I love learning about another culture. We ended walking around for a couple of hours, the clothes and music were by far my favorite, the ship was also pretty cool. The gift shop seemed crazy high in prices but worth getting a couple of trinkets to commemorate your visit, the ladies working there were so nice!
Kerri S — Google review
I visited the National Check and Slovak Museum and Library for the first time Saturday, February 3, 2018 to check out the Art of Accessories exhibit.I really enjoyed the exhibit of folk art and the detail of the handwork that was exhibited. Also the permanent exhibit of the velvet revolution was very informational and I appreciated the interactive immersion of the exhibits.I am thinking of joining as an Individual, renewable annually for only $35.00 a year. Gets you in free and I would be supporting the museum.I had fun, would like to go back soon and encourage you to check it out. Admission is $10.00. Not bad for the few hours would could spend soaking up the history.Also I watched 4 Bald Eagles fishing on the river from the entryway. very neat.
J R — Google review
What an awesome experience. I knew nothing about that part of history other than Hitler probably was somewhere in the mix. What a great way to spend a couple hours.
Chet T — Google review
I've known about this museum for what seems like forever, but had never visited until recently. So on a recent trip to Iowa, I decided I would spend one half of a day checking out things in Cedar Rapids and this was on my agenda. It's not a particularly huge museum, but definitely worth the admission fee to check out the exhibits on display, whether you have and Czech or Slovak heritage or not. If you are passing through Cedar Rapids, it's a good place to stop in as well as checking out some of the places in the surrounding neighborhood!
Robert G — Google review
4.7
(162)
•
4.5
(366)
1400 Inspiration Pl SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, USA
(319) 362-8500
28
Outlets & Marketplace Williamsburg
Outlet mall
Shopping
Shopping mall
Factory Outlets
Shopping-mall chain featuring a variety of brand-name & designer outlet stores.
Lots of shopping options - but the deals could be better as an outlet mall. Some stores offer crazy good deals while other stores are full price or offering deals found at other non-outlet stores. The stores are clean, easy to shop in and customer service is good.
Hannah — Google review
I go there about once a year to do some shopping, but I haven't been there since the pandemic started. I was surprised how quiet it was; probably 35 cars in the entire parking lot at noon on a Friday? Not as busy as I recall; no matter, makes the stores easier to shop in! Okay place to shop, but nothing special.
Dean C — Google review
I placed a order thur the computerized system at the McDonald’s at the 235 Evans St EWilliamsburg, IA 52361-0780I order 2 6 pieces McDonald’s nugget and a small soda I only got the 2 pieces McNuggets , I when to the counter and asked for the Soda for at least 5 minutes to the guy who gave my order a finally women gave my small soda .I would recommend no one go to this McDonald’s the employees are trying to steal their costumes food .
Joseph V — Google review
Over half empty. Of the stores, some were filled with stock but lights off in the middle of a week day and a Saturday. Little selection in many stores but a few great boutique stores and the Famous Footwear made it a worthwhile stop.Tanger Outlets needs to up its game & lower rents to attract stores.It could be such a great place to have what locals and travelers need with some care and thought. It needs some constant hours for stores to meet.
Lisa M — Google review
It is a nice outlet strip mall. It did have several empty stores, but it had a really nice collection of name brand outlet stores. More than we normally have here in Indiana. If they could fill other stores it would be a 5 star
Kerry C — Google review
I love outlet malls. They have a variety of stores with great prices. I can enjoy a shopping experience without the feeling of a big crowd which is really nice. It is currently my favorite shopping destination in Iowa.
Devin S — Google review
Shopped the Nike Clearance Store and Columbia outlet. Found some amazing mark downs on clothing, shoes and branded bags. Reasonably priced compared to major retailers.
Barbara K — Google review
Stop and shop here every October when I'm in Iowa for the Madison County covered bridge festival. The Columbia outlet is awesome! Also enjoy the Eddie Bauer, Under Armour and Bath and Body Works stores. Think it's wonderful that they have a dedicated pet play area. Easy access on and off Interstate 80 20 miles west of Coralville/Iowa City.
Kris D — Google review
Awesome place! Got to shop and parked our semi truck. I am saving this location so I can shop while in the area again. They have dog park as well.Thank you management.
Lou's A — Google review
Stopped for a quick visit however ended up visiting more than we expected. The pink card offer of 25% discount helped us this time as we were planning for a event. Based on my personal Tanger outlets visits this one seemed to have little more offer than other similar outlets(maybe were just lucky). Some employees might not apply the offer unless you specifically pay attention to the final check out amount. It happened to us in one instances and when we pointed out final checkout amount dropped considerably.
RJ — Google review
Its a really good place for shopping. There are many stores with lot of options. Clean and well maintained. Highly recommended. The parking lot was like 70% full so it was bustling with people.
Nikhil M — Google review
Great place to shop. Huge amounts of clothes on sale and to choose from. Great Furniture stores as well!!
Josh K — Google review
Seems like several of the stores have closed. Still plenty of stores there you just want to verify the ones you wish to visit are still open
Micah — Google review
Nice, clean stores and 2 new antique shops. Loved them. Nice addition to the mall.
John B — Google review
For a outlet place I expected great prices, Under Armour and wrangler where the only places I felt I scored. Some deals but most stores where same price as original store. Not impressed for outlet mall not sure I'll be back.
Becky J — Google review
Offers many stores in one location. Mostly national name-brand outlet stores with lots of selection. A nice time-saver for those who live nearby and don't want to drive to Cedar Rapids or Iowa City. Pricing and wide selection make this a competitive option for nearby malls.
Greg J — Google review
29
Dr. G.C. Stockman House
Mentioned on
7 lists
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Discover the architectural interpretive center at Stockman House, a beautiful example of Prairie School architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This is the only such house in Iowa and offers an insight into the architect's work. The center also features an art museum that showcases American works by regional artists including Thomas Hart Benton and Grant Wood. The Historic Park Inn Hotel and City National Bank building provides a further opportunity to explore Wright's designs with guided tours available.
Always enjoy Tours of FL Wright buildings with knowledgeable docents. The community did a great job of saving and testoring this Prairie style home. Well worth a visit.
Curt S — Google review
Tour guide had so much knowledge! I enjoyed every minute. Gift shop presented a lot of history. Everyone very welcoming! Great experience!!
Judy B — Google review
Frank Lloyd Wright could be terribly stubborn, ignoring the good advice of his assistants and construction people, but he had an undisputed eye and mind for design. I'm partial to the Prairie School, have also visited Taliesin West and Fallingwater, and found this house to be appealing. It's neat that Mason City has an FLW-designed home, and I'm thankful that it is in good shape for visitors to enjoy.
Iowa R — Google review
We enjoyed our relaxed visit to the Stockman House and nearby visitor's center and gift shop. The visitor's center staff are friendly and informative, and the $10 per person docent-led tour of the house itself, which begins with a short video describing the history of the FLW, and his influence on Mason City, was educational and thorough.
Craig R — Google review
If you're a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright and history in general you'll enjoy the tour, if you know nothing of him you'll still enjoy it.
Mike N — Google review
Amazing tour! I strongly recommend visiting here. Schedule your tour in advance and you won’t be disappointed!
Tyler S — Google review
Really lovely place. Sadly we went on a day the tours were not happening- Sundays! But we definitely peeked through the windows and into the house. We enjoyed thinking and talking about what it was like upon completion. Would love to return and take the tour someday!
D K — Google review
Beautiful Home! It is a gem to have this Frank Lloyd Wright home available to tour. The tour guide as very informative. The house was amazing.
Tamara H — Google review
A great tour. The docent was enthusiastic and knowledgable. Would highly recommend.
J ( — Google review
Good tour and information. Only $10. Love touring FLW homes. This one is a beauty.
Jody R — Google review
Great visit! The tour was outstanding, and the architectural interpretive center next door hosts several volunteers who will give selflessly of their time to answer your questions about the city and the architectural gems in Mason City and beyond.
Ryan W — Google review
Beautiful old home that aims to incorporate the natural beauty of its surroundings. A lovely tour was provided by the historical society and its docents.
Kelly F — Google review
4.6
(125)
•
5.0
(213)
530 1st St NE, Mason City, IA 50401, USA
(641) 423-1923
30
The Historic Park Inn Hotel
Mentioned on
6 lists
Hotel
Sights & Landmarks
Wedding venue
Architectural Buildings
Experience the charm of an iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel, the Historic Park Inn, boasting retro-style rooms and a sleek restaurant accompanied by a bar. Take pleasure in a guided tour and relish in dinner at this classic Prairie School architecture that stands as the last remaining hotel designed by Wright. If art entices you, explore Charles City's gallery housing 77 prints from greats namely Dali, Rembrandt, Picasso, Durer and Grant Wood.
We chose the honeymoon suite for our wedding night on 2.22.22 because a date like that absolutely has to be paired with the only Frank Lloyd Wright hotel in the world. It was the perfect place to experience for the occasion. After the snow and wind storm we had that day the jacuzzi tub felt amazing. The room is spacious and has a very comfortable king bed...the sheets were my favorite. The suite has a gorgeous view of central park from the corner 'tower'. In fact it has so many windows you get a 180· view. The best part of all, it was quiet, private and quaint.
Missamerrica * — Google review
Definitely take the tour if you have the chance. Barb was our Docent and she was excellent! The history of the property, all of the adversity it underwent over the years and the renovation which brought everything back together was amazing to hear.The rooms were comfortable as were the furnishings. The bathroom was a reasonable size and classic, yet modern.The work out room is tucked away in a corner of the lower level, but it's there. The Draftsman bar is a cool man cave also in the lower level which is worth visiting.All in all, it was a great weekend stay.
Chris R — Google review
As I arrived at the Historic Park Inn Hotel, I was taken aback by the sheer beauty of the hotel's architecture. The stained glass windows and Frank Lloyd Wright design of the building were truly a sight to behold. The hotel's interior was equally impressive, with its ornate woodwork and vintage decor that seemed to tell stories of a bygone era. The hotel's charm and character made it the perfect place to relax and unwind.Uncovering the hotel's hidden gems was pure excitement! The warm welcomes from Nancy and Jim were just the beginning. Check-in was a breeze, and the parking placards made parking easy. I delighted in exploring the stunning hallways and rooms, each one more breathtaking than the last. The law library and second-floor seating area were showstoppers, with their gorgeous decor and captivating historical elements. I was enchanted by the antique photos and items, feeling transported to another era. Every new passageway and stairwell revealed another secret, making the hotel feel like an endless journey of wonder.My room was a true sanctuary, showcasing exquisite woodwork and furnishings. The bathroom featured chic hexagon tiles and a pristine subway-tiled shower. The abundance of soft towels was a welcome sight, and the heated floors in the bathroom of my second room were the epitome of luxury.The hotel features a bar, restaurant, and stunning views of the park from its balconies. Located within walking distance of various stores, restaurants, and a brewery, the hotel offers a prime location to park your car and explore on foot. For electric vehicle owners, there are underutilized charge point chargers at city hall, just a short walk away. The hotel hosts various events, and further information can be obtained at the front desk. I look forward to exploring more of the hotel's rooms in the near future.
V — Google review
The hotel in beautiful. It is worth the trip! The hotel has been beautifully restored. The pricing was great, (compared to California pricing). We had a suite, with a jacuzzi tub and radiant heated floors. It was very nice during the surprise rain storm we encountered. The most memorable part was our hotel clerk. Ms. Hailey. From our check in, to our tour of the property. Hailey's knowledge of the area and the historical significance of the property was very enlightening. The personal time she spent with us and answering our questions, made us want to come back and stay again. We loved the hotel, We love Hailey more. We will be coming back!
Cat S — Google review
Let me start with the pros; Hotel is very nice, comfortable and quiet. The wood decor is very nice if you like wood everything. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Now the cons; Frank Lloyd Wright must have been a short man because the ceilings are very low. If you are about 6 feet tall or taller, you will have to duck to be able to walk around the lobby. The rest of the ceilings are not much higher. The rooms are very small and it feels a little cramped in there. Internet speed is abhorrently slow to pretty much absent. I hope they fix it soon. Overall, a good stay but I would definitely choose a different place on my next visit.
Marc F — Google review
The room was beautiful. I love Frank Lloyd Wright and the entire hotel was fascinating to just walk through and enjoy. The staff was very helpful and accommodating, the restaurant was lovely with great food. The little patio area right next to the hotel was a great place to eat too with several restaurants. We tried 3 and they were all delicious. We will be back.
Christy B — Google review
Although I didn't stay here, and I did not get to see the rooms, the lobbies, ground floor, restaurant and exterior are all beautifully restored and furnished. It's evident that this location had been run down over the years, but the restoration work and architectural refurbishment was extremely well done. The art pottery, lighting, and furnishings are all beautiful. The staff was very kind and helpful, and very knowledgeable.
Bob L — Google review
This is an American treasure. It is great that they are working hard to preserve the historical significance of this piece of art. If you haven't had the privilege to stay here, you're missing out. The attention to detail is stunning and the experience is unique. At a minimum, take a tour and explore this iconic building.
Jason K — Google review
My second time visiting and it just gets better! If you love good architecture you definitely need to go at least once, but what I really enjoyed on our second trip was how many businesses are within walking distance. You can pretty much come to town, enjoy five or six nice restaurants and a dozen or so breweries and bars without getting in the car the whole weekend. You're just a few blocks from an art museum and an architectural interpretive center, and a hockey arena that again you can probably just walk to.It's really fascinating that the city was able to pull off not only a stunning hotel renovation but have so many local supportive businesses rejuvenate a downtown in a way that many larger cities would be envious.
Ryan W — Google review
Exceptional hotel. We were given the wrong room and staff were very easy to work with in correcting the situation. The billiards room was also enjoyable in the evening: pool and co*cktails with family was a lot of fun.
Lisa C — Google review
I love the rooms. They are very charming and roomy. The employees are very friendly. It's in a great location in downtown, close to restaurants and a microbrewery.
Bob S — Google review
Didn't stay just took a tour of the FL Wright designed hotel which has been saved, preserved and restored to its original appearance.
Curt S — Google review
A must stay for any architecture enthusiast. How often do you get a chance to stay in a work of art? The rooms are very comfortable and well appointed with FLW design details everywhere you turn. Directly adjacent to the hotel is a charming little alley of shops. Unfortunately most are closed on Mondays (the night we were staying, or course), but they look like they could be fun. The park across the street from the hotel as well as many of the surrounding blocks are filled with works of art. Be sure to take time to explore the hotel as well as the art on the surrounding blocks.
William S — Google review
My wife and I stayed here in late August and I was very thoroughly impressed with the hotel and set up itself. While I'm not privy to the history of the hotel, I believe it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. You can tell as the hotel is not cookie cutter style with many different hallways and rooms along with stairs placed in numerous locations. There is a larger balcony you can sit on and other numerous places to chill, relax, and socialize. I would rate the hotel as classy and really enjoyed it. The hotel portrays it charm well in a subtle sophisticated manner.The pricing for the hotel seemed very reasonable (queen for $150, including taxes). I think the queen suite was 299 and that room was very large when I saw it. Our room I would describe as European centric myself as it was pretty small. The bathroom had a walk-in shower and was pretty large.The biggest beef I had with our room was the noise though. We were on the second floor and you could hear the guests on the 3rd floor walk around and talk. We could hear someone snoring so there is noise here which is unfortunate but in a way expected based on the age of the property.
Derrick W — Google review
I stayed at this hotel while in town for a training at a near by business and I was very impressed with the rooms, the service, the staff, food.. pretty much everything about this hotel. Same as the rest of the hotel, the wine room and the pool table room are very cozy and welcoming, the restaurant is clean and has the perfect amount of menu choices for both food and beverages. The staff Andrea, Mady, Elizabeth, Jim, Mark and every one else, were very attentive and accommodating. Don’t forget to ask about the time traveler picture😉.Definitely recommending this place if you end up in Mason City.
Adrian C — Google review
My daughter and I had been there several years ago following its renovation. Just recently, my friend and I visited the gift shop - nice.
Mary L — Google review
Surprisingly quiet for a historic building, love the finishes and details. In-room HVAC works well and is quiet. Close to restaurants and shops.
Adam K — Google review
Although the rooms are nice, the service is really bad and the customer service is terrible! The restaurant is not the quality you would expect for this hotel. Food is 3 star out of 10.
Craig P — Google review
4.7
(518)
•
5.0
(202)
15 W State St, Mason City, IA 50401, USA
(641) 422-0015